Train Operator CrossCountry Unveils Revamped Fleet for Enhanced Regional Travel. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Train Operator CrossCountry Unveils Revamped Fleet for Enhanced Regional Travel.
Image credit: David Jones

Train operator CrossCountry debuted its first refurbished train today, promising better journeys. The ambitious project kicks off a fleet-wide transformation across the UK.

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The Class 170 ‘Turbostar’ unit 170101 emerged from Arriva TrainCare’s Crewe depot, looking brand new. Porterbrook, a leading UK rolling stock financier, funds and owns this exciting refurbishment effort.

This milestone starts a refresh of 29 trains, totaling 80 carriages, with impressive upgrades planned. New seats, tables, and carpets will boost comfort on every journey soon.

Travelers will find mains and USB sockets at all seats, enhancing convenience and connectivity daily. A full interior and exterior repaint will modernize each carriage’s appearance significantly.

On-board toilets will get upgrades, and information screens will show more destinations clearly. Train operator CrossCountry removes First Class to add Standard Class seats, increasing capacity.

New CCTV and passenger counting equipment will improve safety and service efficiency across trains. These smart upgrades will also make the fleet more energy-efficient, benefiting everyone greatly.

Over coming months, revamped trains will enhance routes like Cardiff to Nottingham via Birmingham. Journeys between Birmingham and Stansted Airport via Leicester will improve noticeably too.

Shiona Rolfe, managing director, celebrated the arrival of the first refurbished train with enthusiasm. She noted these trains support a large portion of their regional network effectively.

“We plan to deliver major improvements in comfort and convenience for all passengers,” Rolfe stated. Removing First Class areas will reduce crowding on busy inter-regional services significantly.

Ben Ackroyd, Porterbrook’s chief operating officer, emphasized adapting to evolving passenger needs consistently. He confirmed ongoing investments ensure their fleets meet modern customer expectations always.

CrossCountry collaborates with Arriva TrainCare and Porterbrook to execute this overhaul with precision. The first refurbished Class 170 now serves passengers, delighting travelers network-wide.

Train Operator CrossCountry Boosts Capacity and Comfort

The Turbostar refurbishment program will continue steadily, concluding by 2028, officials announced today. Meanwhile, the company plans to refresh its Voyager fleet later this year eagerly.

This overhaul guarantees a smoother, more comfortable experience for passengers traveling key regions. Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, and Stansted Airport routes will see major benefits.

Travelers can anticipate a steady rollout of these upgrades across the inter-regional fleet soon. The rail provider’s commitment shines through this extensive and innovative refurbishment project clearly.

Porterbrook’s funding, valued at millions of dollars (exchange rate as of March 5, 2025), drives this effort. Arriva TrainCare’s skilled team at Crewe depot completes the work daily.

Train Operator CrossCountry Sets New Travel Standards

Passengers will enjoy brighter interiors, better amenities, and more seating on every refurbished train. These enhancements reflect feedback from travelers who use the services regularly.

The rail company connects communities across the UK, strengthening that vital link with upgrades. The refreshed fleet will ensure smoother, more reliable journeys for years ahead.

This news highlights a bold step forward for the partnership between CrossCountry and Porterbrook. Together, they deliver a fleet ready to meet modern rail travel demands confidently.

By 2028, all 29 Turbostar trains will feature these upgrades, transforming regional travel entirely. For now, passengers can experience the first taste of this exciting future today.

CrossCountry invites travelers to try the revamped Turbostar trains on their next trip soon. The company promises more updates as the refurbishment program moves forward steadily.

Source: railuk.com

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