Chalkwell Coaches

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

Chalkwell Coaches
Optare Solo at the M&D rally in March 2012
ParentClive Eglington
Founded1931
HeadquartersSittingbourne
Service typeBus & coach operator
Fleet76 (May 2014)
Websitewww.chalkwell.co.uk

History
Irizar PB bodied Scania K340EB at the M&D rally in March 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]

Services

Chalkwell Coaches operated route 780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London.[5][6][7][8] It also operates bus services radiating from Sittingbourne.[9][10] In May 2017 the Kent commuter services ceased.[11]

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. "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. Routes 891-782, 784 timetable Transport for London
  6. Chalkwell of Sittingbourne Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine King Hill Services 15 June 2013
  7. Chalkwell says London coach commute is competitive Transport News Brief 6 January 2014
  8. Chalkwell commuters incentivised to switch Bus & Coach Professional 18 September 2015
  9. Network Map from 3 May 2016 Chalkwell Coaches
  10. Chalkwell invests in deckers Bus & Coach Buyer 20 April 2016
  11. Chalkwell exits the Kent-London commuter market Route One 4 May 2017
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