The Isle of Sheppey is set to benefit from a trial of Sunday buses this summer. Local bus operator Chalkwell has worked in partnership with Kent County Council in order to reinstate a 360 Sunday bus service between Sheerness and Leysdown for eight weeks, starting on 20th July and finishing on 7th September . While buses currently operate Monday to Saturday, the Sunday service was removed by KCC in February 2023 due to budgetary constraints. Former KCC Councillor Mike Whiting, who represented Sheppey prior to the recent elections, has been particularly involved in getting the trial off the ground.
The Sunday service is due to coincide with the busiest weeks for tourism on Sheppey and overlap the school holidays. Every year, people come from far and wide to stay on the Island, and it is hoped that lthese visitors will make good use of the buses, in addition to benefitting local residents. It will also run on the August Bank Holiday.
The trial 360 Sunday service is provided using funding from central government’s Bus Grant under the Kent County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. This funding has been used by Kent County Council to protect and sustain a significant number of previously unfunded services across the county.
Managing Director of Chalkwell, Roland Eglinton, said “We are delighted that this funding has been secured and that buses can return to Sheppey on Sundays, even on a trial basis. The eastern side of the Island doesn’t have access to a rail station, so getting around is particularly difficult. There should be a wider economic benefit to the area, as people can get to and from Sunday jobs, and tourists spending money should provide a boost for businesses. At the end of the trial we will look at the usage and have further discissions with KCC and other stakeholders.”
Fares for the Sunday service will be the same as the rest of the week, with single fares capped at £3.
Details of the 360 bus service can be found here.
Pictured – Mike Whiting (left) Roland Eglinton (right).