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]

Services

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780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[7][8][9][10][11]

As of June 2021, Chalkwell currently operate 12 regular bus services (routes 8, 9, 326, 327, 328, 343, 344, 345, 360, 361, 362 and 367) as well as a number of school services. These services are currently centred around Sittingbourne and the surrounding areas.[12][13]

On 12 July 2021, Chalkwell introduced its Island Buses brand which took over routes 360, 361 and 367 alongside introducing new route 362 in Sheerness following Arriva's axing of services in Sheppey.[14][15]

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. Routes 891-782, 784 timetable Transport for London
  8. Chalkwell of Sittingbourne Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine King Hill Services 15 June 2013
  9. Chalkwell says London coach commute is competitive Archived 31 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Transport News Brief 6 January 2014
  10. Chalkwell commuters incentivised to switch Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 18 September 2015
  11. Chalkwell exits the Kent-London commuter market Route One 4 May 2017
  12. "Swale Buses Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  13. "Chalkwell invests in deckers". Bus & Coach Buyer. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  14. Holmwood, Chloe (21 April 2021). "Arriva set to axe island services". Kent Online. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  15. "Island Buses Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
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