 | |
 A Chalkwell single-deckerOptare 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 |
Chalkwell Coaches[1] is a bus and coach tour operator inSittingbourne,Kent.
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Chalkwell Coaches was founded in 1931 by Harry Eglington as Island Luxury Coaches.[2] In April 1931 a short livedSheerness toStoke Newington service began. DuringWorld 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 fromDoddington toFaversham. In 1990, it commenced operating services under contract toKent County Council. In 1992, Chalkwell commenced operatingMaidstone & District Motor Services day tour program.[3]
In 1993, Downsway Coaches ofCanterbury was acquired.[3] In July 1993, it commenced operating commuter services fromSittingbourne toCentral London.[4]
On 12 July 2021, Chalkwell took over the operations of routes 360, 361 and 367 inSheerness as a result ofArriva Southern Counties closing their depot in the town and handing the routes back toKent County Council.[5][6]
On 12 February 2023, most of the company's rural services inSittingbourne, as well as the Sunday services in Sheerness were withdrawn as a result of funding for the routes being withdrawn by Kent County Council.[7]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 followingArriva Southern Counties withdrawing from the service at the same time.[8]
As of July 2023, Chalkwell operate eight local bus services in theSwale area, centred around the towns ofSittingbourne andSheerness. 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routes 780, 781, 782 and 784 fromBearsted andKings Hill to theTate Britain inLondon until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[10][11][12][13][14]
As at October 2024, the fleet comprised 28 vehicles.[3]
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