Chalkwell Coaches
Parent | Clive Eglington |
---|---|
Founded | 1931 |
Headquarters | Sittingbourne |
Service type | Bus & coach operator |
Fleet | 76 (May 2014) |
Website | www.chalkwell.co.uk |
Chalkwell Coaches[1] is a bus and coach tour operator in Sittingbourne, Kent.
History[]
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780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[7][8][9][10][11]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[]
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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
- ^ "Swale Buses Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Chalkwell invests in deckers". Bus & Coach Buyer. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ Holmwood, Chloe (21 April 2021). "Arriva set to axe island services". Kent Online. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ "Island Buses Network Map" (PDF). Chalkwell Coaches. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
External links[]
- Media related to Chalkwell (bus company) at Wikimedia Commons
- Company website
- Transport companies established in 1931
- Transport in Kent
- 1931 establishments in England