Alstom gives facelift to iconic CrossCountry Voyager fleet

On the one hand, they’re not Britain’s best-loved trains. On the other hand, they are the most popular – at least in terms of patronage. Now, the much-travelled and much-used Voyager fleet from Alstom is on the cusp of a facelift that’s more than skin deep. It’s a development that’s welcome and a three-way collaboration between the operators, engineers and owners.

At Alstom’s Derby works, within sight of the CrossCountry spine route, the Voyager fleet is being reworked and upgraded to give them an extended service life and a more comfortable passenger experience. The first train set has been outshopped this week, complete with the new “English Rose” livery. Over the next two years, the entire fleet will be upgraded – and repainted – and set for many more years of intensive service.

Inside the transformation

If there was ever a physical manifestation of being a victim of one’s own success, it may well be the Voyager train fleet. Built at the turn of the millennium, to replace unreliable loco-hauled stock that was ageing rapidly, the diesel multiple units are now showing their age too. “These trains have been the backbone of CrossCountry’s long-distance network for more than two decades,” their managing director, Shiona Rolfe, told Railtech.com. “They’ve been carrying millions of people connecting cities, connecting regions, businesses, families and communities. This train showcases a step change in our passengers’ experience. New seating, new carpets, new information systems and a bright and light new look.”

Certainly, the design team have addressed the issues with the train cabin in novel ways. Seating is cantilever supported, giving the appearance of a clearer floorspace, and the lighting design makes the cabin appear much more spacious. Ellis Ward, who leads the refurbishment and maintenance contract for Alstom, said that although the fleet is relatively old, which presented unique challenges, these were matters that she and her colleagues have resolved and breathed new life into the units.

Tackling growth and operations

Capacity has always been the elephant in the room. There are no more seats per unit in the refurb, but company sources say that negotiations are ongoing to bring more Voyagers into the fleet. There are currently about six sets lying ‘off-lease”, and more trains mean more seats, and luggage space too. Some other operational issues affecting train length are also being actively addressed – such as facilities to service trains overnight. Resolving that could lead to more trains running as “double units” (between eight and ten-car formations), which would alleviate many of the criticisms levelled at the Voyager trains and the operators.

Refurbished – and longer – trains could be a twin solution to the unwelcome experience of Voyagers often arriving at intermediate stations already overloaded. Reliability is, we’re assured, often the best in class. Delays are down to the intensity of the rosters that the Voyagers complete, and the nature of threading an ostensibly east-west service through north-south Britain. It’s than a year since CrossCountry abandoned the noted Aberdeen – Penzance working, which was the longest distance service in the UK.

Mechanically confident and a green future

Mechanically, the Voyagers are relatively robust. Inspection of the units currently at Alstom’s Derby works reveals no “stop and examine” issues. In fact, the interior components removed are being recycled in a student project, which the partners intend to announce soon. “This refurbishment is a statement of confidence in the future of CrossCountry,” said Shiona Rolfe. “By investing in our existing trains, we are making a practical, responsible commitment to sustainably extending their life.”

The leasing agents, Beacon Rail, are still confident of their investment. “The Voyagers have underpinned long-distance rail travel in Britain for more than two decades,” said Rob Dee, their Group Chief Commercial Officer. “This investment ensures they remain reliable, comfortable and fit for the future. Our investment in the Voyagers showcases this commitment, supporting CrossCountry to provide a transformational impact for its customers well into the next decade.”