Birmingham Rail Passengers Set for Enhanced Journey Experience with CrossCountry's Major Fleet Refurbishment
Rail travellers in Birmingham are poised to notice significant improvements to their journeys as CrossCountry unveils the first refurbished trains in its Voyager fleet. The train operator, which serves multiple routes through the city, has initiated a substantial £75 million investment programme designed to deliver what it describes as a "brighter, more comfortable experience" for passengers across its network.
Substantial Investment in Passenger Comfort and Modernisation
The newly revealed train, showcased at Alstom's Litchurch Lane works in Derby, represents the beginning of an extensive refurbishment initiative. Remarkably, this particular Voyager had accumulated an impressive 5,811,605 miles of travel – equivalent to more than twelve return trips to the moon – before undergoing its comprehensive modernisation process. CrossCountry has committed to upgrading all seventy trains within its long-distance fleet over the coming two years, with Birmingham serving as a key hub for these improved services.
Comprehensive Upgrade Features for Enhanced Travel
The refurbishment programme promises a wide array of improvements that passengers will experience directly. These enhancements include:
- New seating arrangements featuring increased legroom, improved under-seat storage solutions, and integrated power sockets supporting three-pin, USB-A and USB-C connections
- Upgraded tables installed at every seat throughout the trains
- Complete replacement of carpets alongside refreshed interior and exterior artwork
- New, more efficient LED lighting systems installed throughout the carriages
- Comprehensively refurbished toilets and vestibule areas
- Enhanced onboard CCTV systems, forward-facing cameras and automatic passenger counting technology
Management Commitment to Modern Rail Standards
Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry's Managing Director, emphasised the significance of this development, stating: "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."
Rolfe further 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."
Parallel Refurbishment Programme for Turbostar Fleet
Alongside the Voyager modernisation, CrossCountry continues its separate refresh programme for the Class 170 Turbostar fleet. Seven revitalised trains are already operational on routes connecting Birmingham with Leicester and Stansted Airport, as well as services between Cardiff, Birmingham and Nottingham. This parallel initiative demonstrates the company's comprehensive approach to fleet improvement across its network.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Voyager fleet has formed a cornerstone of Britain's long-distance rail network since its introduction in 2000, replacing former British Rail stock and establishing new benchmarks for passenger comfort and operational reliability. Modern features including air-conditioning and electronic reservation systems helped transform long-distance travel, contributing to passenger numbers doubling from 12 million in 1997 to 24 million by 2007.
In 2025 alone, CrossCountry facilitated 39.6 million journeys, serving more than 100 stations across England, Scotland and Wales. The current refurbishment programme, affecting both standard and first-class accommodation, aims to ensure these trains continue providing comfortable and enjoyable journeys for years to come.
Industry Collaboration and Technical Expertise
Steve Harvey, Alstom's Services Director for the UK and Ireland, commented on the collaborative effort behind the refurbishment: "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."
Harvey further noted: "Working closely with CrossCountry and Beacon, we're ensuring this trusted fleet is equipped for many more years of reliable and comfortable service for passengers across Great Britain. 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."
