Alstom to modernise more CrossCountry (Super) Voyagers
posted on 18th Oct 2026 07:50
On 13 October 2026, Alstom has secured contracts worth approximately 80 million GBP to maintain and modernise eight additional Class 221 Super Voyagers (with bodyshell tilting) that will join the long-distance CrossCountry fleet from early 2027.
Made possible through collaboration between CrossCountry, Arriva, rolling stock owner Beacon Rail and the Department for Transport, Alstom will deliver ongoing maintenance for the additional Class 221 DMUs at its Central Rivers Depot in Burton upon Trent. Alstom will also carry out refurbishment activity at the company’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby as part of CrossCountry’s wider fleet modernisation programme.
In 2023, Alstom signed an eight-year extension to its Train Services Agreement (TSA) with CrossCountry for the Voyagers, while the 60 million GBP refurbishment programme was agreed in 2024. Before entering passenger service, each of the eight legacy Alstom trains will also undergo a programme of mechanical inspections, modifications and enhancements at Central Rivers Depot.
Central Rivers Depot
The purpose-built train maintenance facility includes a state-of-the-art double-head lathe, nine maintenance roads and two lifting roads. The Staffordshire site also offers heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair and gassing capabilities, an engine repair bay, an automated vehicle inspection system (AVIS), fuelling and controlled emission toilet (CET) facilities, and an automatic intelligent train wash. Central Rivers can stable up to 37 trains, with overnight servicing of up to 26 trains.
Alstom’s Voyager refurbishment programme in Derby is delivering a fully refreshed interior and exterior for the CrossCountry fleet including:
- new seating with increased legroom, improved under-seat storage and integrated power sockets (three-pin, USB-A and USB-C),
- upgraded tables at all seats,
- new carpets throughout and refreshed interior and exterior artwork,
- new, more efficient LED lighting throughout,
- refurbished toilets and vestibules throughout the trains,
- new and upgraded onboard CCTV, forward-facing cameras and automatic passenger counters.
Derby Litchurch Lane Works
Celebrating its 150th birthday in 2026, Derby Litchurch Lane Works is the UK’s largest and oldest operating train factory. Along with 12 trains introduced during 2024 - 25, the eight additional Voyagers will deliver almost 60,000 extra seats per week across the CrossCountry network, providing additional capacity on some of the company’s busiest routes and supporting future growth in customer demand.
Voyager Nos. 221 101 - 221 106 have been stored at Derby Litchurch Lane since they were withdrawn by Avanti West Coast in December 2024. The two Grand Central Class 221s (Nos. 221 142 and 221 143) are currently in use on the East Coast Main Line and serviced by Alstom at Central Rivers Depot. The first of the additional Voyager DMUs is expected to enter service from early 2027, with the remainder welcoming passengers in stages through to May 2028.
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