Alstom has officially unveiled the first refurbished train in CrossCountry's iconic Voyager fleet, showcasing the results of a major £60 million investment programme aimed at enhancing passenger experience across Great Britain's railways. The newly refreshed Class 220 No. 220033 was revealed at Alstom's historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, a facility celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.
Historic Factory Hosts Modern Transformation
The Derby Litchurch Lane Works, recognised as the UK's largest and oldest operating train factory, serves as the central hub for this extensive refurbishment project. This landmark site remains the only facility in the country capable of designing, engineering, building, testing, and modernising trains for both domestic and international markets. The revealed train, which has accumulated an impressive 5,811,605 miles of travel since its introduction – equivalent to more than twelve round trips to the moon – represents just the beginning of this comprehensive modernisation effort.
Comprehensive Fleet Upgrade Programme
Over the forthcoming two years, Alstom's Derby workforce will refurbish a total of 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) carriages, including an additional twelve trains recently transferred to CrossCountry from Avanti West Coast. This ambitious programme will see all seventy trains in CrossCountry's long-distance fleet receive substantial upgrades designed to meet contemporary passenger expectations for comfort, sustainability, and security.
Enhanced Passenger Experience Features
The refurbishment delivers a complete interior and exterior transformation, creating a modern and consistent appearance throughout both standard and first-class accommodations. Passengers can anticipate numerous improvements including new seating arrangements with increased legroom, enhanced under-seat storage solutions, and integrated power sockets featuring three-pin, USB-A, and USB-C connections. Additional upgrades comprise refurbished toilets and vestibules, new carpets throughout, refreshed interior and exterior artwork, and more efficient LED lighting systems.
Technological enhancements include new and upgraded onboard CCTV systems, forward-facing cameras, and automatic passenger counters. Alstom has committed to environmentally responsible practices throughout the refurbishment process, ensuring that all potential waste materials are recycled in alignment with their policy of sending no waste to landfill.
Industry Collaboration and Investment
Steve Harvey, Alstom's Services Director for the UK and Ireland, emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating: "This achievement demonstrates the strength of Alstom's refurbishment capabilities in the UK and the exceptional expertise of our Derby team. Upgrading a fleet as intensively utilised as the Voyagers requires precision, innovation, and profound technical knowledge – qualities our dedicated personnel have consistently delivered."
He further highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, noting: "Through close cooperation with CrossCountry and Beacon, we are ensuring this trusted fleet remains equipped for many more years of reliable and comfortable service for passengers throughout Great Britain." Beacon, which leases the Voyager fleet to CrossCountry, has invested £75.1 million in the refurbishment programme, while Alstom maintains, services, and overhauls the trains at its Central Rivers Depot in Staffordshire.
Future of Long-Distance Rail Travel
Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry, commented on the broader implications of the refurbishment: "This train represents a crucial step in our commitment to improving the travel experience for all our passengers. The Voyager fleet has served travellers exceptionally well for over two decades, and these comprehensive upgrades will ensure it continues to meet modern expectations for comfort, sustainability, and security."
"We take pride in investing in the future of long-distance rail travel and eagerly anticipate welcoming passengers aboard our refreshed trains," she added. The Voyager fleet has operated as a cornerstone of Britain's railway network since its introduction in 2000, replacing former British Rail stock and establishing new standards for comfort and reliability across routes spanning from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in England.
