Chalkwell Coaches

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Chalkwell Coaches
Chalkwell Coaches Logo.png
Chalkwell bus (YJ06 YSR), M&D and EK 60 rally (cropped).jpg
Chalkwell single-decker Optare Solo bus at a rally, 2012
ParentClive Eglington
Founded1931
HeadquartersSittingbourne
Service typeBus & coach operator
Fleet76 (May 2014)
Websitewww.chalkwell.co.uk

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

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780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[7][8][9][10][11]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

External links[]

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