Chalkwell Coaches

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February 2023, most of the company's rural services in Sittingbourne, as well as the Sunday services in Sheerness were withdrawn as a result of funding for the routes being withdrawn by Kent County Council.^[7]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]

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780, 781, 782 and 784 from Bearsted and Kings Hill to the Tate Britain in London until May 2017 when the routes were withdrawn.^{[10][11][12][13][14]}