CrossCountry will add eight Voyager trains to its long-distance fleet, with the first expected to enter service in early 2027.
The trains are being secured through a collaboration between CrossCountry, Arriva, the Department for Transport and rolling stock company Beacon. They will enter service in stages, with the final train expected to be operational by May 2028.
Fleet expansion
Combined with 12 trains introduced during 2024-25, the additional Voyagers are expected to provide almost 60,000 extra seats each week across the CrossCountry network. The operator said the programme would add capacity on busy routes and improve fleet resilience.
The trains will undergo modification and refurbishment before entering service, including work to integrate them with CrossCountry’s existing fleet. Alstom will carry out refurbishment at its Derby site and maintain the trains.
Beacon said the programme would bring all 78 Voyager trains it owns into service with CrossCountry.
Services expected to benefit include routes linking Edinburgh and Glasgow, Reading and Newcastle, Reading and Southampton, and Manchester and Bournemouth.
CrossCountry managing director Shiona Rolfe said: “Our customers want a railway they can rely on, and these additional Voyager trains are an important step towards delivering that. They will give us greater flexibility and capacity across the network, helping us reduce crowding, improve reliability and support future timetable improvements.”
Rail minister Lord Hendy said the additional trains would mean “more seats, less crowding and greater resilience” on services between major towns and cities across Great Britain.
Refurbishment programme
The fleet expansion forms part of wider investment by CrossCountry. Its Voyager trains and inter-regional Turbostar fleet are also undergoing refurbishment intended to improve comfort, onboard facilities and the overall passenger experience.
Arriva UK Trains managing director Amanda Furlong said the increased capacity would support a more reliable railway and help make rail travel a more attractive alternative to car journeys.
Alstom UK managing director Rob Whyte said the company would maintain the additional trains for safety, reliability and performance while carrying out the refurbishment work.