Overview
- Unit 220033 re-entered passenger service after refurbishment and worked Birmingham–Newcastle return services on February 24, covering about 479 miles on day one.
- Alstom carried out the overhaul at its Litchurch Lane site in Derby with workstreams linked to the Central Rivers depot, partnering with CrossCountry and Beacon.
- Upgrades include new seating with increased legroom, improved under-seat storage, power at every seat with 3‑pin, USB‑A and USB‑C outlets, refurbished toilets, LED lighting and enhanced CCTV.
- Refurbished Voyagers will roll out every few weeks over the next two years across long-distance routes linking Birmingham with Manchester, Bristol and the South West, Reading and Bournemouth, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland.
- CrossCountry notes the Voyager fleet entered service in 2000, with 220033 having logged more than 5.8 million miles, while a parallel refresh of Class 170 Turbostar trains continues on regional routes.