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John Travolta, Beyonce, One Direction and a few royals are part of Kings Ferry's 50 year history

00:01, 28 September 2018

updated: 08:31, 28 September 2018

A coach company which transports everyone from Medway commuters to superstars has clocked up 50 years.

In the early days, the Kings Ferry relied on customers to distribute tickets on its Medway to London route. Half a decade later, passengers flash their app and browse wifi on their commute.

Kings Ferry’s head office is in Eastcourt Lane,Twydall.

Kings Ferry owner Peter O'Neill, who owned the company with his son Steve, in front of an original Kings Ferry coach (4338061)
Kings Ferry owner Peter O'Neill, who owned the company with his son Steve, in front of an original Kings Ferry coach (4338061)

It started as a family-run business in 1968 owned by father Peter O’Neill and his son Steve. Now the company is owned by National Express.

As well as the commuter service, new models have been added for hire including a VIP coach which has Sky TV and a massage chair.

The vehicles, which are kept in the Twydall depot, have transported A-list celebrities across England including Beyonce and Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, One Direction and even the Royal family.

Managing director Ian Fraser said: “We provide transport for customers on the Orient Express and on one return leg John Travolta was travelling with his family.

WARNING SMALL FILE SIZEKMG GROUP USE ONLYConditions of Use: Labelled as free to reuseSlug: beyonce ML 140716Caption: Beyonce Knowles in Montreal, 2013Location: SnodlandCategory: Human InterestByline: Nat Ch VillaContact Name: WikicommonsContact Email: Contact Phone: N/AUploaded By: Claire MCWETHYCopyright: Nat Ch VillaOriginal Caption: FM4425055 (4365208)
WARNING SMALL FILE SIZEKMG GROUP USE ONLYConditions of Use: Labelled as free to reuseSlug: beyonce ML 140716Caption: Beyonce Knowles in Montreal, 2013Location: SnodlandCategory: Human InterestByline: Nat Ch VillaContact Name: WikicommonsContact Email: Contact Phone: N/AUploaded By: Claire MCWETHYCopyright: Nat Ch VillaOriginal Caption: FM4425055 (4365208)

“Instead of getting back on the train from Folkestone to London he asked the coach to drive him and his family straight back to the hotel.

“We said yes and he got the driver to go into McDonald’s and bought food for everybody. He created quite a stir in Maccy Ds.

“The driver came back from that on cloud nine. It was an amazing experience for him.

“We’ve had a lot of customers who met on our commuter service and eventually got married. Also, many drivers met their future wives who were passengers.

Driver Matthew Austen and Ian Fraser, managing director of The Kings Ferry's who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Picture: Chris Davey... (4329726)
Driver Matthew Austen and Ian Fraser, managing director of The Kings Ferry's who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Picture: Chris Davey... (4329726)

“We’re a people business who operate coaches and I enjoy seeing everyone thrive.”

VIP bus driver Matthew Austen, of Wheatcroft Grove, Rainham, has worked for the company for 12 years.

“My highlight was when I took the celebrities to their match for Soccer Aid. I could hear Paddy McGuiness chatting the whole way.

“On the way home we were stuck in traffic and Robbie Williams was on the bus so everyone burst out singing Angels.”

Staff marked the anniversary with a party day and the unveiling of a specially-designed bus.

n Email your memories to medway@thekmgroup.co.uk

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