Full Breakdown
CrossCountry to Add Eight Voyager Trains, Boosting Capacity by 60,000 Seats Weekly
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Expansion Plan
CrossCountry will introduce eight additional Voyager trains, adding roughly 60,000 seats each week across its long-distance network. The first unit enters service in early 2027, with the remaining trains phased in through May 2028.
Background & Context
The rollout follows a 2024-25 programme that added 12 Voyager trains and a report from the Office of Rail and Road showing a six-point drop in punctuality between April and June 2026 and the same period in 2025. The new units complement ongoing refurbishment of the existing Voyager and Turbostar fleets.
Timeline
- Early 2027 – First additional Voyager train enters passenger service.
- 2027-2028 (staged) – Remaining seven trains are integrated.
- May 2028 – Final train in service, completing the rollout.
Data & Statistics
- Eight new Voyager units.
- ? 60,000 extra seats per week.
- 12 Voyager trains added in 2024-25.
- Capacity gains on routes such as Edinburgh <-> Glasgow, Reading <-> Newcastle, Reading <-> Southampton and Manchester <-> Bournemouth.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rob Whyte, managing director for Alstom UK and Ireland, said Alstom will maintain the new trains to the highest safety and performance standards at its Derby facilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our customers want a railway they can rely on, and these additional Voyager trains are an important step towards delivering that.” — Shiona Rolfe, managing director of CrossCountry
- “We are delighted to continue supporting CrossCountry as it expands its Voyager fleet to deliver more capacity for passengers.” — Express Trains
Refurbishment and Maintenance Details
Alstom will carry out mechanical inspections and upgrades at its Central Rivers Depot in Derby and at the Litchurch Lane site, the UK’s oldest operating train factory. Refurbishment upgrades include new seating with more legroom, power sockets (three-pin, USB-A, USB-C), upgraded tables, refreshed interior and exterior artwork, LED lighting, modernised toilets and enhanced CCTV with forward-facing cameras and automatic passenger counters.
Impact on Passengers and Network
The added capacity should reduce crowding on busy long-distance services, improve timetable flexibility and support future timetable improvements, especially on north-east to southern coastal corridors.
What’s Next
Each new Voyager will undergo integration work with CrossCountry’s existing fleet before entering service. Collaboration between CrossCountry, Arriva, the Department for Transport and rolling-stock company Beacon will oversee delivery and commissioning of the additional units.