Chalkwell Coaches[1] is a bus and coach tour operator in Sittingbourne, Kent.
 | |
 A Chalkwell single-decker Optare Solo bus in Sittingbourne, 2022 | |
| Parent | Clive Eglington |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1931 |
| Headquarters | Sittingbourne |
| Service type | Bus & coach operator |
| Fleet | 28 (October 2014) |
| Chief executive | Roland Eglinton |
| Website | www.chalkwell.co.uk |
History
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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February 2023, most of the company's rural services in Sittingbourne, as well as the Sunday services in Sheerness were withdrawn as a result of funding for the routes being withdrawn by Kent County Council.[7]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
editAs 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
editAs at October 2024, the fleet comprised 28 vehicles.[3]
References
edit- ^ Companies House extract company no 2520842 Chalkwell Garage & Coach Hire Limited
- ^ Our History Chalkwell Coaches
- ^ a b c d "Fleet in Focus: Chalkwell Garage & Coach Hire" Buses issue 710 May 2014 page 81
- ^ Chalkwell celebrates 20 years Bus & Coach Buyer 18 July 2013
- ^ "Chalkwell to Take Over 367 Bus Service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Chalkwell to Take Over 360/361 Bus Service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Kent County Council to Withdraw Several Bus Services". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Chalkwell to take over 334 bus service". Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ "Chalkwell Coaches Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ Routes 891-782, 784 timetable Transport for London
- ^ Chalkwell of Sittingbourne Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine King Hill Services 15 June 2013
- ^ Chalkwell says London coach commute is competitive Archived 31 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Transport News Brief 6 January 2014
- ^ Chalkwell commuters incentivised to switch Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 18 September 2015
- ^ Chalkwell exits the Kent-London commuter market Route One 4 May 2017
External links
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Media related to Chalkwell (bus company) at Wikimedia Commons- Company website
