(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.