CrossCountry Reveals Major £75 Million Train Refurbishment Programme
CrossCountry has unveiled comprehensive details of its ambitious £75 million upgrade to its long-distance train fleet, marking a significant investment in passenger experience and modern rail travel. The refurbishment focuses on the Voyager fleet, which has served passengers for over two decades, and includes a full refresh of both interior and exterior designs to meet contemporary standards.
Enhanced Features for Improved Travel Comfort
The updated trains boast a range of new features aimed at boosting passenger comfort and convenience. Key improvements include new seating with increased legroom, allowing for more spacious travel on long journeys. Additionally, improved under-seat storage has been integrated to help passengers stow luggage efficiently, while integrated power sockets at every seat ensure devices can be charged throughout the trip.
Other enhancements encompass refurbished toilets and vestibules throughout the trains, providing a cleaner and more pleasant environment. The upgrade also introduces new and upgraded onboard CCTV systems, alongside an automatic passenger counter, which will enhance security and help manage crowding more effectively.
Rollout Schedule and Fleet Impact
These refurbishments will be implemented over the next two years, covering all 70 trains in CrossCountry's long-distance fleet. This rollout is part of a broader effort to address past criticisms, particularly regarding overcrowding, which peaked during a reduced timetable service in 2024. At that time, the company acknowledged frequent on-the-day cancellations had fallen below expected standards.
In response, CrossCountry has already taken steps to improve services, including introducing extra carriages on long-distance routes and adding nine extra Voyager trains in May 2025. These additions provided an additional 28,000 seats per week, helping to alleviate congestion. In 2025 alone, CrossCountry trains facilitated approximately 39.6 million journeys, calling at over 100 stations across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Leadership and Future Plans
Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry's managing director, emphasised that the refurbishments reflect the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers. She stated, "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 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."
Looking ahead, CrossCountry is set to be the last train operator nationalised under the government's new Great British Railways initiative, which will replace the current model of mostly private train firms. Nationalisation is expected when its franchise contract concludes in October 2027, aligning with broader shifts in the UK rail industry towards public ownership and integrated service delivery.
