| 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.
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February 2023, most of the company's rural services in Sittingbourne, as well as the Sunday services in Sheerness were withdrawn as a result of funding for the routes being withdrawn by Kent County Council.[7]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]
As 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780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.[10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
As at May 2014, the fleet comprised 76 vehicles.[3]