Image from Alstom
August 19, 2024 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a contract to refurbish CrossCountry’s Voyager trains, transforming the on-board experience for customers. The contract, valued at around £60 million (€70 million) will see the trains receive an interior refresh, including new seats and tables – while their exteriors will be repainted in CrossCountry’s new livery.
The work will be carried out at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane facility and encompasses 312 cars, comprising 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) vehicles respectively. 252 cars belong to the existing CrossCountry fleet, while an additional 12 trains, totalling 60 additional carriages, will be added following their release from Avanti West Coast.
Additional enhancements will see the trains fitted with new carpets, improved lighting and a new passenger counting system. Sustainability will be at the heart of the refurbishment; the Voyager’s new seats will be at least 95% recyclable and 98% recoverable, while lighter materials used throughout the trains will help reduce fuel and carbon emissions.
Design work will commence immediately, with physical work in Derby set to commence from next year until 2027. Around 100 Alstom staff will work on the contract, supported by many more in the company’s UK supply chain.