CrossCountry’s Voyager trains are set to undergo a transformation, as Alstom agrees a £60m refurbishment contract.
The work will encompass 312 cars, including 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) vehicles respectively. More than 250 cars belong to the existing CrossCountry fleet, while a further 12 will be added following their release from Avanti West Coast.
Sustainable focus
Alstom says that sustainability will be at the heart of the work, with the new seats set to be at least 95% recyclable and 98% recoverable, with lighter materials also expected to be used throughout the trains to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Additional enhancements will see the trains fitted with new:
- carpets;
- lighting;
- tables; and
- passenger counting system.
The exteriors will also be painted with CrossCountry's new livery.
Design work is starting immediately while physical work will commence from next year until 2027 – around 100 Alstom staff are set to work on the contract.
A new lease of life
“For more than 20 years, CrossCountry’s Voyagers have proudly served towns and cities across Great Britain – travelling millions of miles in the process,” said Alstom’s managing director for UK services, Peter Broadley.
He added: “We now look forward to giving these iconic Alstom-built trains some well-deserved TLC with a comprehensive overhaul that will include new seats, on-board technology enhancements and an exterior repaint.
“Not only will the refurbishment delight fare-paying customers with increased levels of comfort and accessibility, the overhaul programme will support UK suppliers and skilled jobs across the country.”
CrossCountry’s fleet and engineering director, Adrian Hugill, commented: “We’re delighted to be moving forward on the refurbishment of our Voyager fleet which will transform the passenger experience for customers on our long-distance routes.
“We look forward to working with colleagues at Alstom and Beacon Trains to give the ever-impressive Voyager fleet a new lease of life on the CrossCountry network.”
Image credit: CrossCountry
