Alstom to Revitalize CrossCountry’s Voyager Fleet with Comprehensive Refurbishment

Alstom to Revitalize CrossCountry’s Voyager Fleet with Comprehensive Refurbishment

(IN BRIEF) Alstom has announced a £60 million refurbishment project for CrossCountry’s Voyager fleet, which will involve a complete interior and exterior overhaul at the company’s Derby facility. The project, funded by Beacon Rail, will enhance passenger comfort and sustainability while supporting UK manufacturing and jobs. The work, which will begin in 2025 and run through 2027, is part of Alstom’s ongoing commitment to improving the UK’s rail network.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 19-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant move to enhance passenger experience across the UK’s rail network, Alstom has announced a major refurbishment project for CrossCountry’s Voyager trains. This £60 million (€70 million) contract will see both the interiors and exteriors of the fleet transformed, with work set to be carried out at Alstom’s renowned Derby Litchurch Lane facility.

The ambitious project will cover 312 vehicles, including 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) cars, with an additional 60 carriages joining the CrossCountry fleet from Avanti West Coast. The refurbishment, scheduled to begin in 2025 and continue through 2027, will include new seats, tables, flooring, improved lighting, and a fresh exterior livery in CrossCountry’s new design.

Elevating Passenger Comfort and Sustainability

The refurbishment is set to significantly upgrade the passenger experience. New seating will be made from materials that are at least 95% recyclable and 98% recoverable, underlining Alstom’s commitment to sustainability. Lighter materials used throughout the refurbishment will also contribute to reducing the trains’ fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

“We are thrilled to breathe new life into these iconic Voyager trains, which have served millions of passengers across Great Britain for over two decades,” said Peter Broadley, Managing Director, Services UK and Ireland at Alstom. “This comprehensive overhaul will not only elevate comfort and accessibility for passengers but also support the UK supply chain and skilled jobs across the country.”

Supporting UK Manufacturing and Jobs

The project will see Alstom’s Derby facility, the only UK-based site that designs, engineers, builds, and tests trains for both domestic and international markets, expanding its operations. Around 100 Alstom employees will be directly involved in the refurbishment, with many more supported across the UK supply chain.

The upgrade is being funded by Beacon Rail, the owners of the Voyager fleet, ensuring the trains remain at the forefront of the CrossCountry network, which spans from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in England.

Adrian Hugill, Fleet and Engineering Director at CrossCountry, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We’re delighted to embark on this refurbishment journey, which will greatly enhance the passenger experience on our long-distance routes. Collaborating with Alstom and Beacon Rail, we are committed to giving the Voyager fleet a new lease of life.”

Long-standing Partnership with CrossCountry

This latest contract builds on the strong relationship between Alstom and CrossCountry. Last year, Alstom secured an eight-year extension to its Train Services Agreement (TSA) with CrossCountry, valued at approximately £825 million (€950 million), ensuring continued maintenance and servicing of the Voyager and Super Voyager fleets until 2031.

Alstom’s involvement in UK rail extends beyond CrossCountry. In June 2024, the company secured a £370 million (€430 million) contract to deliver 10 new Aventra trains for the Elizabeth line, further solidifying its position as a key player in the UK’s rail infrastructure.

Media Contact:

Ben GOODWIN
Tel.: +44 (0) 7935 348 065
ben.goodwin@alstomgroup.com

SOURCE: Alstom