The first phase of a project to improve bus stops with seats and real-time bus arrival information will be completed this year.

Acting Secretary for Transport & Housing Raymond So told legislators today the Government has provided subsidies to franchised bus companies for the installation of seats at 2,600 covered bus stops.

On a matching basis it has funded the installation of real-time bus arrival information display panels at 1,300 covered bus stops.

The initiative was announced in the 2016 Policy Address with $80 million earmarked for the project.

Installation works for seats started in November and that for display panels began at the end of March.

As at June 25, about 600 bus stops had seats installed while 20 had display panels.

First phase works are due for completion this year.

The remaining installation works for seats and display panels will be conducted in two phases for completion in 2019 and 2020.