CrossCountry has revealed the first fully refurbished train from its Voyager fleet, marking the beginning of a major £75 million investment aimed at modernising long‑distance rail travel across Britain.
Unveiled on Tuesday 10th February at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works in Derby, the revamped Voyager was showcased to CrossCountry colleagues and invited industry guests — offering a first-hand look at what passengers can expect when the refreshed fleet enters service.
The Voyager fleet is maintained and overhauled at Alstom’s Central Rivers Depot, while around 130 staff at the Derby Litchurch Lane facility have delivered the refurbishment works. The first upgraded set, 220033, has already travelled an astonishing 5,811,605 miles — the equivalent of journeying to the moon and back more than 12 times.
Fleet Upgrades Already Underway Across CrossCountry
Alongside the Voyager programme, CrossCountry’s Class 170 Turbostar fleet continues its own refresh, with seven revitalised trains now running on routes connecting Birmingham, Leicester, Stansted Airport, Cardiff and Nottingham.
A Modernised Voyager Fleet for the Future
The Voyager fleet, first introduced in 2000, replaced much of the former British Rail rolling stock and helped usher in a new era of long‑distance comfort — contributing to a rise in passenger numbers from 12 million in 1997 to 24 million by 2007.
By 2025, CrossCountry had delivered 39.6 million journeys, serving more than 100 stations across England, Scotland and Wales.
This refurbishment ensures the Voyagers remain a core part of the UK’s long‑distance network. Over the next two years, all 70 trains will receive:
- New seating with increased legroom, improved under‑seat storage and integrated power sockets (3‑pin, USB‑A, USB‑C)
- Upgraded tables at all seats
- New carpets and refreshed interior/exterior artwork
- Efficient LED lighting
- Refurbished toilets and vestibules
- New CCTV, forward‑facing cameras and automatic passenger counters
CrossCountry’s Managing Director Shiona Rolfe said:
“This train marks an important step in our commitment to improving the experience for everyone who travels with us. The Voyager fleet has served passengers well for more than two decades, and these upgrades will ensure it continues to meet modern expectations for comfort, sustainability and security.
We’re proud to be investing in the future of long-distance rail travel and look forward to welcoming passengers on board our refreshed trains.”
Sustainable Delivery Led by Alstom
In line with Alstom’s policy of sending no waste to landfill, potential waste materials from the programme will be recycled wherever possible.
Steve Harvey, Alstom's Services Director UK and Ireland, said:
“This milestone reflects the strength of Alstom’s refurbishment capabilities in the UK and the expertise of our team in Derby. Upgrading a fleet as intensively used as the Voyagers demands precision, innovation and deep technical knowledge – and our people have delivered exactly that. Working closely with CrossCountry and Beacon, we’re ensuring this trusted fleet is equipped for many more years of reliable and comfortable service for passengers across Great Britain.
I'm proud of the quality and dedication our team has brought to the first Voyager to leave Litchurch Lane and I know that same commitment will define every train we deliver throughout this programme.”
Backed by Beacon Rail
Becoming the financial backbone of the investment, Beacon Rail — which leases the Voyager fleet to CrossCountry — has committed £75.1 million to the programme.
CEO Adam Cunliffe said:
“Beacon is proud to support CrossCountry in delivering this substantial upgrade to the Voyager fleet. These trains have underpinned long-distance rail travel in Britain for more than two decades, and this investment ensures they remain reliable, comfortable, and fit for the future. Through our close partnership with CrossCountry and Alstom, we remain committed to providing sustainable, high-quality rolling stock that enhances the passenger experience.”
Image credit: Cross Country
