Avanti West Coast sign £8.3m contract with Bombardier to overhaul Voyager trains

Avanti West Coast has confirmed to RailAdvent that its Voyager fleet of trains is to benefit from an upgrade, with the first train set to be completed later in July.

20 Voyagers, which operate over non-electrified sections of the West Coast Main Line, such as Crewe – Holyhead, are being overhauled in an £8.3m deal with Bombardier.

New Standard Class seat covers, saloon and carpets will be included, as well as a revamped toilet area and new lighting.

It was announced in 2019 that the WCML would have 23 new Class 805 and 807 trains in 2022 which will replace the Voyager trains.

Voyager Refurb Vestibule — Credit: Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast Executive Director, Projects, Andy Barnes, explained: “We know that ultimately our Voyagers will be retired from the West Coast Main Line.

“But with two years on the rails, we wanted to improve them and not leave them as they are. All these improvements should enhance the customer experience and, as you will see from the images, will leave them looking very smart.

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“It’s a significant investment that shows we will take every opportunity to invest and improve our product and service wherever we can.”

Avanti West Coast Voyager refurbishment — Credit: Avanti West Coast

Bombardier Transportation’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Bentley, said; “We are delighted to be partnering with Avanti West Coast on this fleet upgrade. The Voyager remains a great train, and by refreshing the customer environment, we can keep them that way.”

All 20 Voyagers are to be overhauled by December 2020 and will be upgraded at Bombardier’s site in Ilford, East London.

The first set to be upgraded is 221101 and should be going to Ilford this Friday.

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