Overheard a conversation today about the Sunderland Connect routes, amongst discussed was that the "terrifying & bone-chilling" James Fairchild has fled to Ukraine on what he is in his own words is alleged to have said is a 'Humanitarian Mission' involving delivering an MCV bus to Ukraine.

Only down side to that is the drivers in the UK on the Connect contract have been left uninformed having apparently not recieved their last wages for their work & concern growing that the company could cease trading.

(29 Apr 2026, 7:51 pm)S830OFT wrote Overheard a conversation today about the Sunderland Connect routes, amongst discussed was that the "terrifying & bone-chilling" James Fairchild has fled to Ukraine on what he is in his own words is alleged to have said is a 'Humanitarian Mission' involving delivering an MCV bus to Ukraine.

Only down side to that is the drivers in the UK on the Connect contract have been left uninformed having apparently not recieved their last wages for their work & concern growing that the company could cease trading.

There’s something dodgy going on with that company, they were doing fine then suddenly can’t do the 700 and 701 due to fuel prices. I feel sorry for the drivers if it’s true they haven’t been paid and the owner has fled the country. 

I’ve never liked the company something about it doesn’t sit right with me. The fact they hire bus spotters for things too, nah that’s one thing I’ve never understood. You wouldn’t see other smaller companies like Northstar doing that. I hope they do cease trading and any driver there if they have any sense should jump before it sinks.

(29 Apr 2026, 8:48 pm)TransitObserver wrote There’s something dodgy going on with that company, they were doing fine then suddenly can’t do the 700 and 701 due to fuel prices. I feel sorry for the drivers if it’s true they haven’t been paid and the owner has fled the country. 

I’ve never liked the company something about it doesn’t sit right with me. The fact they hire bus spotters for things too, nah that’s one thing I’ve never understood. You wouldn’t see other smaller companies like Northstar doing that. I hope they do cease trading and any driver there if they have any sense should jump before it sinks.

They don’t even have proper facilities they run out a yard in birtley, drive past looks like a bus dumping ground,Its the drivers i genuinely feel sorry for lured in by the pied piper then left out in dark with no clue whats going on meanwhile the gaffer is on a “humanitarian holiday”with his toy who like to get all cosy with Kim Mcguinness, Genuinely can’t see City lasting to the end of 2026 and hope the drivers can find a new job quickly and abandon the sinking ship.


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(29 Apr 2026, 7:51 pm)S830OFT wrote Overheard a conversation today about the Sunderland Connect routes, amongst discussed was that the "terrifying & bone-chilling" James Fairchild has fled to Ukraine on what he is in his own words is alleged to have said is a 'Humanitarian Mission' involving delivering an MCV bus to Ukraine.

Only down side to that is the drivers in the UK on the Connect contract have been left uninformed having apparently not recieved their last wages for their work & concern growing that the company could cease trading.

For a Small Route, its done some big damage to them. At first it seemed alright when it was first said they had won the contract and started and then they started to grow. However, It does Remind me of A-Line. Was all fine, once they grew something happened to the Owner/Top of the Company which lead to the damage being done and then closing. With City I think the 700/701 was only "cool" because of the Artic Citaros. I do hope whoever takes over from Go North East's emergency run can run it well and can have a good Economic Balance.
If Fuel is the issue, just let Stagecoach have it. Pretty sure they can make the 700/701 much better with the Electrics.

Also Hopefully the drivers get sorted and find somewhere to go if the Company was to cease.

(29 Apr 2026, 8:57 pm)Theboyle92 wrote They don’t even have proper facilities they run out a yard in birtley, drive past looks like a bus dumping ground,Its the drivers i genuinely feel sorry for lured in by the pied piper then left out in dark with no clue whats going on meanwhile the gaffer is on a “humanitarian holiday”with his toy who like to get all cosy with Kim Mcguinness, Genuinely can’t see City lasting to the end of 2026 and hope the drivers can find a new job quickly and abandon the sinking ship.


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Weirdly one of the artics always used to be sitting over night in Tower Road in Sulgrave too. Assumed that's where their yard was.

(29 Apr 2026, 9:06 pm)X919 WGR wrote For a Small Route, its done some big damage to them. At first it seemed alright when it was first said they had won the contract and started and then they started to grow.

Sure, they won the contract, probably by submitting the cheapest bid, but did they start to grow as a result? Arguably not  They used vehicles unsuitable for the route they had, which caused problems, and the contract was cancelled due to unsustainability, likely caused by the way they calculated the costs of operating the contract to begin with. 

That doesn't sound like growth to me. That sounds like a recipe for failure.

(30 Apr 2026, 3:09 am)deanmachine wrote Weirdly one of the artics always used to be sitting over night in Tower Road in Sulgrave too. Assumed that's where their yard was.

Nah they are around the corner from JH at O’brians yard in birtley used to see them fill up at the shell garage next to the barley mow inn. No pit or ramps, no cleaning facilities so makes you think how much must they be shelling out in basic maintenance and cleaning.


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(29 Apr 2026, 9:06 pm)X919 WGR wrote For a Small Route, its done some big damage to them. At first it seemed alright when it was first said they had won the contract and started and then they started to grow. However, It does Remind me of A-Line. Was all fine, once they grew something happened to the Owner/Top of the Company which lead to the damage being done and then closing. With City I think the 700/701 was only "cool" because of the Artic Citaros. I do hope whoever takes over from Go North East's emergency run can run it well and can have a good Economic Balance.
If Fuel is the issue, just let Stagecoach have it. Pretty sure they can make the 700/701 much better with the Electrics.

Also Hopefully the drivers get sorted and find somewhere to go if the Company was to cease.

Tbf they've never been alright and have been dodgy from the offset.

The owner just likes appealing to enthusiasts so some become blinkered. 

The company has had a lot of unsavery rumours linked to it and the owner has been in a court case for harassment which he lost. 

Wish they'd piss off back to Yorkshire or elsewhere personally.

(30 Apr 2026, 12:22 pm)Storx wrote Tbf they've never been alright and have been dodgy from the offset.

The owner just likes appealing to enthusiasts so some become blinkered. 

The company has had a lot of unsavery rumours linked to it and the owner has been in a court case for harassment which he lost. 

Wish they'd piss off back to Yorkshire or elsewhere personally.

Here here! I got kicked out of a groupchat for mentioning said court case!

(30 Apr 2026, 9:54 am)Theboyle92 wrote Nah they are around the corner from JH at O’brians yard in birtley used to see them fill up at the shell garage next to the barley mow inn. No pit or ramps, no cleaning facilities so makes you think how much must they be shelling out in basic maintenance and cleaning.


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They're now located at Jay's Storage on Drum Industrial Estate - they're no longer at O'Briens.

I wonder how the numbers add up. Their ALX400 is often down in Huddersfield on Transpennine Upgrade rail replacement work, I’ve also seen their fleet in Manchester on Metrolink tram replacements.

The dead running to get to these contracts along with presumably hotels etc must all add up. Do the rail and tram operators pay that well?

Looks like they are supposed to be doing Sheffield Supertram replacements this weekend!!!

https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/get...f?ext=.pdf

Last Monday Morning a few City Transport drivers turned up at GNEs Sunderland depot after being told by City Transport there were jobs for them at Deptford depot driving 700/701s on some sort of agreement, with the contract going to GNE on an emergency contract till July, obviously this was untrue and they were turned away ( and apparently they haven't been paid for a few weeks).

(30 Apr 2026, 9:03 pm)Retro Nero wrote Last Monday Morning a few City Transport drivers turned up at GNEs Sunderland depot after being told by City Transport there were  jobs for them at Deptford depot driving 700/701s on some sort of agreement, with the contract going to GNE on an emergency contract till July, obviously this was untrue and they were turned away ( and apparently they haven't been paid for a few weeks).

Why did Nexus grant the contract? I despair as they dont ever seem to recognise the lowest common denominator!! GIGO as they say in IT… Garbage In Garbage Out …

(30 Apr 2026, 9:03 pm)Retro Nero wrote Last Monday Morning a few City Transport drivers turned up at GNEs Sunderland depot after being told by City Transport there were  jobs for them at Deptford depot driving 700/701s on some sort of agreement, with the contract going to GNE on an emergency contract till July, obviously this was untrue and they were turned away ( and apparently they haven't been paid for a few weeks).

What, and they just did it? Are they going to look for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow too?

I have every sympathy if they've had wages withheld, but they need seek proper advice from a trade union or ACAS.

(30 Apr 2026, 2:24 pm)Wybus wrote I wonder how the numbers add up. Their ALX400 is often down in Huddersfield on Transpennine Upgrade rail replacement work, I’ve also seen their fleet in Manchester on Metrolink tram replacements.

The dead running to get to these contracts along with presumably hotels etc must all add up. Do the rail and tram operators pay that well?

According to St. Kemi, on Radio Newcastle, Lincolnshire is near the northeast so Huddersfield is practically local. No dead running at all.

(30 Apr 2026, 9:03 pm)Retro Nero wrote Last Monday Morning a few City Transport drivers turned up at GNEs Sunderland depot after being told by City Transport there were  jobs for them at Deptford depot driving 700/701s on some sort of agreement, with the contract going to GNE on an emergency contract till July, obviously this was untrue and they were turned away ( and apparently they haven't been paid for a few weeks).

TUPE should have applied here but obviously someone’s not bothered to properly organise it

(30 Apr 2026, 9:32 pm)Adrian wrote What, and they just did it? Are they going to look for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow too?

I have every sympathy if they've had wages withheld, but they need seek proper advice from a trade union or ACAS.

To be fair GoAhead are likely in the wrong here as crap as City Transport are. 

When a contract transfers to a new employer TUPE applies, there's no buts to it as far as I'm aware, as long as the staff were employed purely for the needs of the contract which they appear to be.

The last bit is the only questionable bit but CT hired them for the 700/701 as far as I'm aware.

"That money was just resting in my account, your honour"

The Father Ted defense, likely to be applied at a future courtroom hearing.

I see on Companies House website, accounts are overdue too

(Yesterday, 5:52 am)citaro5284 wrote I see on Companies House website, accounts are overdue too

It's fine. A grace period is applied and additional leeway is given once HMRC learn that someone is away on a humanitarian mission.

(30 Apr 2026, 9:32 pm)Adrian wrote What, and they just did it? Are they going to look for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow too?

I have every sympathy if they've had wages withheld, but they need seek proper advice from a trade union or ACAS.

Mr Fairchild issued a letter to all affected drivers the night before the new operator started operating the Sunderland Connect service, advising that they were to report to a depot in Sunderland at 07:00 or 14:00 and follow management's instructions, as he believed TUPE applied.

Since, there has been a standoff for all involved with drivers seeking advice from ACAS - however this is currently a work in progress due to the immense pressure ACAS has been facing in recent years.

Mr Fairchild incorrectly believed that Nexus had a clause in the contract that stated TUPE should automatically apply, and incorrectly believed that it was Nexus who would broker this. Having consulted the wording of the contract, I can confirm it says that City Transport should endeavour to talk to any new operator in regards to the obligations of TUPE - not that TUPE will automatically apply. Mr Fairchild has since been in a fruitless conversation with the Bus Services Manager at Nexus, and seemingly unable to understand how TUPE works. 

From the correspondence I have seen, the Bus Services Manager has been incredibly patient and clear with Mr Fairchild that there is nothing Nexus is able to do with TUPE - however has tried to ensure that a dialogue between operators has taken place, above and beyond anything they should do.

Mr Fairchild advised the staff that the new operator would pay the month's wages owed to date. It is also my understanding that drivers who didn't want to TUPE have been told that their month's wages would be paid by the new operator. Sadly, due to historic payment issues between Mr Fairchild and his drivers, and them prioritising homes and families, a lot of drivers have been unable to maintain union subscriptions during this period, and have been declined assistance by Unite the Union.

From messages I have seen, Mr Fairchild has been abusive to drivers - including the one who was appointed the employee representative as part of TUPE - who have questioned him and provided evidence that is contrary to what he says. 

Mr Fairchild has also told drivers to take him to a tribunal. As part of this, he stated the following:

"Do your own research. One of you must have access to a legal advice helpline on car insurance/union membership etc.

Tell the solicitor you are part of an 'organised grouping' of staff that deliver the 'Sunderland Connect' bus service in sunderland which yesterday changed from operator A to operator B.

Say that operator B is being obstructive and denying people access to their jobs.

Say that you expect that Operator A may cease trading imminently and that the Managing Director has fled the country."

Mr Fairchild has since wrote to the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, about what she can do to support the drivers.

An interesting turn of events has seen Mr La Pilusa, director of Boroughbridge-based A&A Coach Travel advertising a job vacancy directly to the drivers, with the following:

Tyne & Wear Based PCV Driver Vacancy

A&A Coach Travel Ltd are looking to recruit PCV drivers based in the North East.

Driving Experience
Experience of doing rail replacement runners and standbys
Ability to achieve an upper-quartile score in any analysis of your driving
Max three DVLA penalty points

Desirable – familiarity with UK double deck buses, 15m tri-axle coaches and/or 18m articulated vehicles
Desirable – no 50km route length restriction

Working Location and Times
Must be comfortable working out of either of the company’s bases (Tyneside and West Yorkshire) and on remote projects / based in hotels.
On occasion, school services and private hires will be detailed
Flexible availability required (obviously rest days provided, with preferences accommodated where possible)
An awareness that on certain occasions, working hours will be pushed to the maximum

Person spec
Must either hold or be able to pass an Enhanced DBS check
Must be of someone of smart appearance (both visually and in terms of odours) who can enhance our brand
Must specifically be someone who is content wearing a shirt of the correct size with the top button fastened together with a tie, and NOT someone who thinks wearing a tracksuit is acceptable when management may not be looking
Must be comfortable working on an unknown/open ended basis – think the uber model of a next run coming through based on client need.
Must be comfortable using a high level of tech
Must not be a habitual user of monster/redbull/cigarettes or any other product that has an adverse perception risk or safety risk
Resilience – must have the personal ability to pay own out-of-pocket business expenses for reimbursement further down the line
Confidentiality and discretion – must be able to keep company or client information confidential as necessary.

Desirable – education beyond GCSE level
Desirable – a language in addition to English

Commercials
Monthly salary of £1800 gross
True-up twice per year
28 days holiday leave
Workplace pension

The wording of this appears to suggest that A&A Coach Travel are taking over the operations of City Transport, using their vehicles, and that Mr Fairchild will be part of that operation.



Whilst TUPE may appear to apply, it is my opinion that the new operator is operating the contract under the "short term task" exemption, which protects them from having to take on new staff, their owed wages and contractual agreements for such a short contract. However, in lieu of anything like that being confirmed by either operator, the staff have no option but to pursue action as litigants in person and seek a tribunal judgement, which may be years away.

(Yesterday, 6:53 am)cr51xln wrote Whilst TUPE may appear to apply, it is my opinion that the new operator is operating the contract under the "short term task" exemption, which protects them from having to take on new staff, their owed wages and contractual agreements for such a short contract. However, in lieu of anything like that being confirmed by either operator, the staff have no option but to pursue action as litigants in person and seek a tribunal judgement, which may be years away.

I'll just quote this last bit of an otherwise informative post, as I'm of the same opinion. I do not believe that TUPE will apply in this instance, for the same exemption that you quote.

That's a personal opinion, but based on my professional experience as a TU organiser. 

For me it's clear that this is a time-defined and short-term emergency contract, and for the purpose of retaining service continuity, whilst Nexus conclude a new tender process for it.

Of course, if there's a dispute, it comes down to an Employment Tribunal to decide, but you're really going to need a legal opinion before going down that route. Guess that's where trade union membership is worth its weight in gold.

(Yesterday, 6:53 am)cr51xln wrote An interesting turn of events has seen Mr La Pilusa, director of Boroughbridge-based A&A Coach Travel advertising a job vacancy directly to the drivers, with the following:

The wording of this appears to suggest that A&A Coach Travel are taking over the operations of City Transport, using their vehicles, and that Mr Fairchild will be part of that operation.

Apologies, I'd meant to respond to this bit too.

I saw that the other day, and I suspect it's some sort of pre-pack administration. If I'm correct, I'd expect City to be put into administration, with a pre-pack already agreed for A&A to purchase the assets of City. TUPE would usually apply here.

In terms of TUPE, the staff would/should go to the new operator not the emergency stand in if my understanding is correct? Obviously, this would need organising prior.

From my personal experience at GNE, I moved onto a contract where my main and guaranteed bit of driving was a scholars contract. GNE handed back the contract and I was eligible to move (if I wanted) to the new operator. However, GNE management didn't know how TUPE worked and I was paid off (no the wonder Mr Fairchild can't fathom it out if a huge company like the Go Ahead Group couldn't).

Drivers employed specifically for a contract, should be eligible to stay with that contract (that's what the union told me).

Outside the transport industry, my wife works for a charity providing statutory services which is paid for by a local authority. Every time the service goes to tender she gets TUPE to the new service provider. Her pay, benefits (sick pay and holiday entitlement) are different from the employees of the new organisation but she gets the chance to 'align herself' with the new companies pay and conditions (normally means taking a pay cut) but she isn't obliged to.

This isn't the first time City drivers haven't been paid - indeed several walked away after promises of payment never materialised some months ago.

If City stuck to rail replacements, would we be in this situation now? Gateshead Taxis, for all they get slated, seem to do alright from contract work.

Regarding TUPE, there has been two to my knowledge where drivers had the option to transfer with the contract, that being from Yourbus to Stanley Travel when they lost the Durham Cathedral Bus & from Scarlet Band to Arriva, back to SB & then transferring to GCT every time the contract for the Durham Park and Ride changed.

Presumably that will take place again if a new operator secures the contract later this year, although I do believe it will be requiring electric vehicles this time round, which may make it slightly harder for an independent to obtain the contract...

It does seem hard for drivers to get "perk terms" where they can just drive one set contract or route, as a lot of companies do expect their staff to learn most of the routes so they get a greater chance of getting shifts & overtime etc.

Although you do tend to see that particularly on miscellaneous contracts or newly gained one bus contracts, where it would be the same driver everyday, unless they were off work. It can also sometimes be beneficial for customers to develop a better communication with their driver, where they end up on first name terms because they become part of each others routine...

(Yesterday, 9:52 am)S830OFT wrote Regarding TUPE, there has been two to my knowledge where drivers had the option to transfer with the contract, that being from Yourbus to Stanley Travel when they lost the Durham Cathedral Bus & from Scarlet Band to Arriva, back to SB & then transferring to GCT every time the contract for the Durham Park and Ride changed.

Presumably that will take place again if a new operator secures the contract later this year, although I do believe it will be requiring electric vehicles this time round, which may make it slightly harder for an independent to obtain the contract...

It does seem hard for drivers to get "perk terms" where they can just drive one set contract or route, as a lot of companies do expect their staff to learn most of the routes so they get a greater chance of getting shifts & overtime etc.

Although you do tend to see that particularly on miscellaneous contracts or newly gained one bus contracts, where it would be the same driver everyday, unless they were off work. It can also sometimes be beneficial for customers to develop a better communication with their driver, where they end up on first name terms because they become part of each others routine...

This is where problems stem from though, isn't it? Suggestions that because it happened with A to B, it must also be the case for C to D, when the reality is that you're dealing with legislation and case law.

The best thing the affected employees can do is seek professional advice from their trade union, ACAS or a solicitor specialising in employment law.

Well… isn’t it all just very peculiar overall?

City’s boss jets off on a “humanitarian aid task” days before the contract ended. He was away during the changeover, and comes back just after that. Doesn’t contact his staff, doesn’t try to obtain a solution.

Straight up tells them to form an ACAS claim, tell them he’s fled the country and plans to liquidate the company imminently… but isn’t it very strange how GNE told his staff when they turned up that CITY had specifically been told TUPE was invalid and that it was a short term task “emergency contract” and the employees still got sent?

Seems like CITY has taken its employees for a ride,  it’s rumoured when questioned City’s boss becomes violent and aggressive to his staff. He then goes on to call them vulgar names, and be little them.

I’m told employees still haven’t been paid! And they are getting nowhere attempting to come to a solution with City.

Having now looked in a lot closer it sees as though City are attempting to twist stories, and attempting to reverse roles portraying the perpetrator as the victim.

Personally I find this disgraceful and a mean tactic, following on from mentioned above it seems that City may indeed be dissolved. In favour of merging with A&A Travel, it’s clear set up is already forming James Fairchild has been allocated as a director as previously mentioned in this thread.

One can only assume that this has been fathomed over the last month, finally being put into practice slowly crippling many employees who have kept services running and ensuring City kept a float “ish”.

Maybe the local news and press should be informed about City’s antics, maybe then someone will see sense and understand their actions towards the staff. Taking into account the seriousness of how people’s lives can and likely will be affected, by a very rude little man with a few less brain cells than allocated at birth. Not forgetting his lack in confidence, finances & professional conduct… I do wonder how the man was previously an accountant when he can’t count £1 in 20ps.

I genuinely feel for each person involved at this difficult time, one wonders if local companies will reach out to individuals affected by City’s diabolical actions.

Interestingly enough A&A travel are also well known cowboys down in Yorkshire following their very unsuccessful operation of Service 30 in Horsforth back in 2023 - A&A travel bus 30 Horsforth