Eight additional Voyager trains will join CrossCountry’s fleet starting in early 2027 to ease crowding and enhance reliability on the Exeter rail route, according to Exeter Today.
Voyager Trains and Affected Routes
The new trains are high-speed Voyagers configured with four or five cars, intended for long-distance travel. Several will operate on the Edinburgh to Plymouth route, which passes through Exeter. This follows CrossCountry’s introduction of 12 new trains between 2024 and 2025 prior to this announcement.
Increased Capacity and Phased Deployment
The additional Voyager trains will add 60,000 more seats per week across the CrossCountry network. Their entry into service will be phased from early 2027 through to May
2028.
Official Statements and Public Ownership Integration
Shiona Rolfe, managing director of CrossCountry, stated these trains are an important step to deliver the reliable railway customers want and deserve. She said, “Together with our fleet refurbishment programme, this investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering the reliable railway our customers deserve and building a stronger CrossCountry for the future.” Rail Minister Lord Hendy said, “Once these extra trains are in service, it means more seats, less crowding, and greater resilience for services between major towns.” He added that as passenger services transition into public ownership under Great British Railways, track and train integration will improve service coordination
and support growth.
Background on Fleet Expansion and Public Control
The expansion of CrossCountry’s Voyager train fleet with eight additional trains addresses passenger crowding and service reliability issues. The move is part of a broader strategy including refurbishing existing trains and bringing passenger services into public ownership under Great British Railways, which aims to unify rail infrastructure and operations for improved, joined-up services.
