Alstom Secures £60 Million for Voyager Fleet Overhaul Amid Job Concerns and Optimism

Alstom has secured a significant £60 million refurbishment contract that is set to breathe new life into its Voyager fleet as design work launches immediately, paving the way for physical upgrades in Derby starting next year. This ambitious project is expected to continue until 2027, marking a turning point for the company amidst recent concerns about its future workforce. The announcement of the refurbishment comes on the heels of a grim warning from Alstom, which indicated that more than 1,300 jobs at its Litchurch Lane facility were jeopardized due to a shortage of work, alongside additional risks to the supply chain. Despite these challenges, Alstom's commitment to the rail industry remains strong, as evidenced by the eight-year extension of its Train Services Agreement (TSA) with CrossCountry, valued at approximately £825 million. This agreement will ensure that Alstom will maintain, overhaul, service, and clean the CrossCountry Voyager and Super Voyager fleet until 2031. Peter Broadley, managing director for services in the UK and Ireland at Alstom, expressed optimism about the refurbishment project, stating, "We now look forward to giving these iconic Alstom-built trains some well-deserved TLC with a comprehensive overhaul that will include new seats, on-board technology enhancements, and an exterior repaint." Such enhancements aim to elevate the passenger experience significantly, addressing modern travelers' needs for comfort and efficiency. The Voyagers, owned by Beacon Rail and funded through this refurbishment initiative, traverse the extensive CrossCountry network from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in England, serving as a vital link for long-distance travel. Adrian Hugill, fleet and engineering director at CrossCountry, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the anticipated transformation: "We're delighted to be moving forward on the refurbishment of our Voyager fleet, which will transform the passenger experience for customers on our long-distance routes." As Alstom embarks on this refurbishment journey, it reflects a broader commitment to revitalizing the rail sector and enhancing the quality of service for passengers. The collaboration between Alstom, CrossCountry, and Beacon Rail represents a concerted effort to innovate and adapt within the industry, even in the face of economic uncertainties. With the refurbishment project set to commence in Derby, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and impact the future of rail travel across the UK.