On Tuesday 10 February, RailStaff attended the unveiling of the first of CrossCountry’s refurbished Voyager trains at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby. The event marked a significant milestone in a £75.1 million investment programme designed to modernise the operator’s long-distance fleet.
Guests from across the industry and staff from both companies, gathered at the historic Derby site to tour the newly refreshed train and experience the improvements first-hand. The event also provided an opportunity not just to see the finished result, but to understand the scale of the work undertaken behind the scenes.
A modernised fleet
The British Rail Class 220 Voyager was built in Belgium by Bombardier Transportation between 2000 and 2001. The trains were introduced in 2001 to replace the 20-year-old InterCity 125 and the almost 40-year-old Class 47-hauled Mark 2 fleets operating on the Cross Country Route. Initially operated by Virgin, they have been in the hands of CrossCountry since 2007.
While the Voyager trains have now been a familiar presence on Britain’s network for more than two decades, upgrades were required to ensure the fleet continues to meet modern expectations for comfort, sustainability, and security. The recent refurbishment programme has delivered a fully renewed interior and refreshed exterior, creating a more modern and consistent look across both Standard and First Class accommodation.
The enhancements, made by Alstom, will be rolled out across all 70 trains in CrossCountry’s long-distance fleet. They include: new seating with increased legroom; improved under-seat storage and integrated power sockets; upgraded tables at every seat; new carpets; refreshed interior and exterior artwork; and more efficient LED lighting throughout.
The upgrade also includes refurbished toilets and vestibules as well as new and upgraded onboard CCTV systems.
Sustainability has also been embedded in the process. In line with Alstom’s policy of sending no waste to landfill, materials removed during refurbishment are being recycled wherever possible, with further reuse options being explored as the programme continues.
Addressing guests gathered at the unveiling, CrossCountry 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.”
Shiona also expressed her gratitude to Alstom’s engineering team, who have made the refurbishment a reality.
“I want to take a moment to thank the many people that have been involved,” she said. “Those of you who have seen me here on site, you know how much I felt the passion and the pride in the work that you’re doing here, for us, and with us.”
“You’ve all played an incredibly vital role in transforming this project from concept through to completion. This refurbished voyager is a real credit to both your skill and also your passion.”
Precision in presentation
While the interior and exterior refresh is immediately visible, the engineering and production effort required to reach this stage has been considerable. Approximately 130 staff at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane facility are delivering the programme, working through a detailed schedule of modifications and upgrades.
One member of Alstom’s engineering team reflected on the scale of the task: “The team have done a fabulous job. It’s been a lot of hard work over the last 18 months, and we’ve finally reached this point. A huge amount of time and effort has gone into it.
“When you see the finished product, it looks very different from the original. If people had seen one of the units fully stripped back – taken right down before repainting and modification – they’d really appreciate what’s involved. From engineering to production, every stage matters. Only then can you truly understand the work required to transform a unit into what you see here under the lights.”
Steve Harvey, services director, UK and Ireland at Alstom, was keen to sing the praises of all involved in the programme.
“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.
“The engineering team, the technical team, the supply chain, and every other person that’s in our group have worked tirelessly to bring the first unit together. To hit this milestone is a great achievement.
“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.”
Three-way partnership
The Voyager fleet is owned by rolling stock company Beacon Rail and leased to CrossCountry. Beacon has invested £75.1 million into the refurbishment, reinforcing long-term confidence in the fleet’s continued role within Britain’s long-distance network.
Adam Cunliffe, chief executive officer of Beacon Rail, commented: “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.”
Renewed commitment
Over the next two years, 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) vehicles will be refurbished in Derby, including 12 additional trains recently added to the CrossCountry fleet following their release from Avanti West Coast.
With Class 220 No. 220033 now returned to service, the programme signals not just a refresh of a familiar fleet, but a renewed commitment to extending its life for the next generation of passengers.
At a time when value, sustainability, and passenger expectations are under sharper focus than ever, the Voyager refurbishment demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership, planning, and precision engineering.
Image credit: CrossCountry
