CrossCountry Unveils Upgraded Voyager Fleet, Boosting Local Jobs

The unveiling of CrossCountry’s first refurbished Voyager train at Derby’s Etches Park depot marks a significant milestone in a £75 million investment aimed at upgrading the entire 57-strong fleet. This comprehensive overhaul, set to be completed by autumn 2024, promises a dramatically improved travel experience for passengers across Britain. The enhancements are extensive, featuring modern seating, energy-efficient LED lighting, and more accessible toilets, alongside the addition of at-seat power sockets and USB points, addressing common passenger demands for comfort and connectivity.

Crucially, this project brings substantial local impact and community relevance. The refurbishment work is being meticulously carried out by rail manufacturer Alstom at two key sites: their depot in Barton-under-Needwood, near Burton-on-Trent, and the Etches Park depot in Derby. This localized effort is a significant boost for regional economies, directly creating 100 new jobs across these two facilities. These roles contribute to local employment and foster skilled work within the rail industry, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the communities hosting the upgrade operations.

The improved Voyager trains will serve a vast network, connecting major cities from Aberdeen and Glasgow in the north to Plymouth and Southampton in the south, encompassing key hubs like Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Bristol. This widespread reach means that the benefits of enhanced comfort, accessibility, and modern amenities will be felt by countless commuters, business travellers, and tourists nationwide, making rail travel a more appealing and efficient option for a broad spectrum of the population. Tom Joyner, CrossCountry’s managing director, highlighted the commitment to passenger satisfaction, while Peter Broadley, Alstom UK & Ireland managing director, underscored the local employment opportunities. This investment, supported by train owner Beacon Rail, not only modernizes infrastructure but also strengthens local economies through job creation and improved connectivity, reinforcing the vital role of rail in community life.

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wlpz8vj4po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)