Major Boost for Cornwall’s Rail Travellers as CrossCountry Expands Fleet and Enhances Services

CrossCountry, a leading long-distance passenger train operator in Britain, has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly expand its fleet and enhance the customer experience by May 2025.

This major development promises to transform rail travel for passengers, with a particular focus on those journeying to and from Cornwall, ensuring more comfortable and accessible journeys across its vast network.

More Seats, More Comfort

In a pivotal move to cater to the increasing demand for rail travel, CrossCountry announced a comprehensive expansion of its long-distance fleet. By securing an additional 12 Voyager trains from Beacon Rail, the company aims to increase its seating capacity by approximately 25% compared to current levels. This expansion will result in over 36,000 additional seats per week on north-south routes, addressing the crucial need for enhanced capacity and comfort for its customers, including those in Cornwall.

The fleet expansion is set to benefit passengers as early as this summer, with over 12,000 extra seats per week being introduced across CrossCountry routes. This significant boost comes just in time for the busy holiday season, ensuring that travellers can enjoy more spacious and less crowded journeys to their destinations.

Fleet Revitalisation and On-Board Experience Transformation

Julian Edwards and Scott Maynard, CrossCountry’s Interim Managing Directors, expressed their enthusiasm for the transformative changes on the horizon. “We’re delighted to announce these transformational changes in fleet and on-board experience, which customers will start to benefit from as soon as this summer,” they stated. The planned refurbishment of all 58 of CrossCountry’s Voyager trains, alongside the regional Turbostar fleet, underscores the operator’s commitment to upgrading the travel experience. By summer 2026, passengers can expect a new level of comfort and service, with enhancements including new seats, on-board technology upgrades, and an exterior repaint.

Strategic Timetable Adjustments

In addition to fleet expansion, CrossCountry is set to introduce a new timetable from May 2025, promising more services and longer trains, particularly on the busy Reading to Newcastle corridor. Temporary changes to the timetable this summer will also aim to alleviate crowding on some of the most congested services, by adjusting station calls to encourage shorter journey passengers to opt for other operators, thereby freeing up capacity for long-distance travellers.

Industry and Government Support

The Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, lauded the investment in upgraded trains and services as a boon for passengers and the rail supply chain alike. Peter Broadley from Alstom highlighted the significant support the refurbishment programme will provide to UK suppliers and skilled jobs nationwide.

A Win for Cornwall’s Travellers

For Cornwall’s residents and visitors, the announcement from CrossCountry is a welcome development. The expansion and enhancement of the fleet, coupled with the promised increase in seats and improved onboard experience, signal a new era of rail travel that is more comfortable, accessible, and efficient. As CrossCountry continues to connect Cornwall with major cities across Britain, these upgrades are set to make long-distance journeys more enjoyable than ever before.

For further details on these exciting developments and to plan your next journey, visit CrossCountry’s website or connect via their social media platforms.