Understand
CrossCountry plans to add 60,000 extra train seats weekly with new Voyager trains
Overview
CrossCountry has announced plans to introduce eight additional Voyager trains, providing 60,000 extra rail seats each week across major British cities. The new trains will increase capacity on routes running through Birmingham to destinations including Glasgow, Penzance, Bournemouth, Manchester, and Cardiff. The first trains are set to enter service in early 2027, with the full rollout completed by May 2028, following an agreement involving the Department for Transport, Beacon, and Arriva.
Key points
- CrossCountry is adding 60,000 extra rail seats per week through eight additional Voyager trains.
- Services running through Birmingham to cities such as Glasgow, Penzance, Bournemouth, Leeds, and Manchester will see increased capacity.
- The first additional train will enter service in early 2027, with all eight operational by May 2028.
- The fleet expansion takes CrossCountry's total Voyager units from 70 to 78.
- The agreement is supported by the Department for Transport, rolling stock leasing company Beacon, and parent company Arriva.
