Major fleet upgrade promises improved comfort, sustainability and passenger experience across Britain’s rail network
A MAJOR £75 million investment in CrossCountry’s long-distance train fleet has been officially unveiled, with the first fully refurbished Voyager train revealed this week in Derby.
The project, funded by rolling stock company Beacon Rail, marks the start of a two-year programme to transform all 70 Voyager trains operating across the UK, delivering a significantly improved travel experience for millions of passengers.
The newly refurbished train was launched on Tuesday 10 February at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works in Derby, where CrossCountry staff and invited guests were given a first look at the upgraded interior and exterior. The train is set to return to service shortly.
The £75m programme will deliver a full interior and exterior refresh, creating a modern, consistent look across both standard and first class carriages. Improvements include:
- New seating with increased legroom
- Power sockets at every seat (3-pin, USB-A and USB-C)
- Upgraded tables and under-seat storage
- New carpets and refreshed artwork
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- Refurbished toilets and vestibules
- Upgraded CCTV, forward-facing cameras and passenger counting systems
The refurbishment is being carried out by around 130 staff at Alstom’s Derby facility, with ongoing maintenance at its Central Rivers Depot. The first train to be upgraded has already travelled more than 5.8 million miles — the equivalent of more than 12 trips to the moon and back.
Alongside the Voyager upgrades, CrossCountry’s Class 170 Turbostar fleet is also undergoing refurbishment, with seven refreshed trains already back in service on routes including Cardiff to Birmingham and Nottingham, and Birmingham to Stansted Airport.
CrossCountry Managing Director Shiona Rolfe said the investment marks a major step forward for long-distance rail travel.
“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.”
She added:
“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.”
The programme also places a strong focus on sustainability. In line with Alstom’s zero-to-landfill policy, near-zero waste will be produced during the refurbishment process, with materials recycled wherever possible.
Steve Harvey, Alstom’s Services Director UK and Ireland, said the project highlights the strength of UK rail engineering.
“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.”
Beacon Rail, which leases the Voyager fleet to CrossCountry, is investing £75.1 million in the project.
Beacon Rail Chief Executive Adam Cunliffe said:
“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 partnership with CrossCountry and Alstom, we’re committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality rolling stock that enhances the passenger experience.”
The Voyager fleet, first introduced in 2000, transformed long-distance rail travel in the UK, helping to double passenger numbers in a decade. In 2025 alone, CrossCountry delivered 39.6 million journeys, serving more than 100 stations across England, Scotland and Wales.
With the refurbishment programme now underway, passengers across Wales and the rest of Britain can expect a new generation of Voyager trains offering greater comfort, better facilities and a more sustainable future for rail travel.
