Rail operator CrossCountry has announced the arrival of the first train to complete its multi-million-pound fleet refurbishment programme.

The new and improved 'Turbostar' train has had its first-class section removed to increase capacity and reduce overcrowding on CrossCountry rail services.

It is the first of 29 trains, totalling 80 carriages, that will undergo the new design via this programme.

CrossCountry said that over the coming month, customers will see its new trains between Cardiff and Nottingham via Birmingham, and between Birmingham and Stansted Airport via Leicester.

Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry's Managing Director, said: "It's fantastic to deliver our first refurbished Turbostar train for passengers on our inter-regional routes.

"We know that these trains provide the bulk of the train service for a good portion of our network, and we hope passengers enjoy the significant improvements in convenience and comfort on those journeys."

Features on the newly refurbished trains include new tables, seats and carpets throughout, as well as the installation of mains and USB plug sockets at every seat.

Each carriage will undergo a full interior and exterior repaint, whilst on-board toilets will be refreshed and modernised.

Passengers will also benefit from enhanced information screens providing more detailed destination updates.

Safety and monitoring will also be improved with the introduction of new CCTV and automatic passenger counting equipment.

The programme is being carried out at Arriva TrainCare's Crewe depot and funded by the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company Porterbrook, which owns the fleet.

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, added: "As passenger needs evolve, it's important that our trains do too. That's why we continue to invest in our fleets to ensure they meet customer expectations.

"Alongside our partners at CrossCountry and Arriva TrainCare, we're pleased to be able to present the first refurbished Class 170 into passenger service."

The rail operator said the Turbostar refurbishment programme is currently scheduled to finish by 2028, with refurbishment of CrossCountry's Voyager fleet scheduled to begin later this year.

Image Credit, CrossCountry Rail