Chalkwell Coaches

Chalkwell Coaches[1] is a bus and coach tour operator in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Chalkwell Coaches
A Chalkwell single-decker Optare Solo bus in Sittingbourne, 2022
ParentClive Eglington
Founded1931
HeadquartersSittingbourne
Service typeBus & coach operator
Fleet76 (May 2014)
Websitewww.chalkwell.co.uk

History
Chalkwell Scania K340EB coach at a bus rally, 2012

Chalkwell Coaches was founded in 1931 by Harry Eglington as Island Luxury Coaches.[2] In April 1931 a short lived Sheerness to Stoke Newington service began. During World War II all seven coaches were requisitioned. In 1969, the business was taken over by Eglington's son Clyde.[3]

In 1987, Chalkwell commenced its first local bus service from Doddington to Faversham. In 1990, it commenced operating services under contract to Kent County Council. In 1992, Chalkwell commenced operating Maidstone & District Motor Services day tour program.[3]

In 1993, Downsway Coaches of Canterbury was acquired.[3] In July 1993, it commenced operating commuter services from Sittingbourne to Central London.[4]

On 12 July 2021, Chalkwell took over the operations of routes 360, 361 and 367 in Sheerness as a result of Arriva Southern Counties closing their depot in the town and handing the routes back to Kent County Council.[5][6]

On 12 February 2023, most of the company's rural services in Sittingbourne, as well as the Sunday services in Sheerness were withdrawn as a result of funding for the routes being withdrawn by Kent County Council.[7]

On 24 July 2023, Chalkwell took over the operation of route 334 between Sittingbourne and Sheerness following Arriva Southern Counties withdrawing from the service at the same time.[8]

Services

As of July 2023, Chalkwell operate eight local bus services in the Swale area, centred around the towns of Sittingbourne and Sheerness. The company also operates a number of school services in both areas.

Chalkwell currently operate the following services (excluding school services):[9]

Route Start End
326/327 Chatham Sittingbourne
334 Sittingbourne Sheerness
347 Sittingbourne Kemsley
349 Sittingbourne Murston
360 Sheerness Leysdown-on-Sea
361 Sheerness Rushenden
362 Sheerness West Minster

Chalkwell Coaches operated commuter coach routes 780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[10][11][12][13][14]

Fleet

As at May 2014, the fleet comprised 76 vehicles.[3]

References
  1. Companies House extract company no 2520842 Chalkwell Garage & Coach Hire Limited
  2. Our History Chalkwell Coaches
  3. "Fleet in Focus: Chalkwell Garage & Coach Hire" Buses issue 710 May 2014 page 81
  4. Chalkwell celebrates 20 years Bus & Coach Buyer 18 July 2013
  5. "Chalkwell to Take Over 367 Bus Service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  6. "Chalkwell to Take Over 360/361 Bus Service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  7. "Kent County Council to Withdraw Several Bus Services". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  8. "Chalkwell to take over 334 bus service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  9. "Chalkwell Coaches Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  10. Routes 891-782, 784 timetable Transport for London
  11. Chalkwell of Sittingbourne Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine King Hill Services 15 June 2013
  12. Chalkwell says London coach commute is competitive Archived 31 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Transport News Brief 6 January 2014
  13. Chalkwell commuters incentivised to switch Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 18 September 2015
  14. Chalkwell exits the Kent-London commuter market Route One 4 May 2017
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