Press releases

The multi-million pound contract to refurbish ten High Speed Train (HST) power cars for use on CrossCountry services has been awarded to Brush Traction, which will carry out the work at its workshops in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

The power cars, five each of which are leased from Angel Trains and Porterbrook, will receive a complete overhaul and be repainted into the striking CrossCountry livery before being introduced into service. They will be fitted with new MTU-built engines to increase reliability, improve fuel efficiency and produce lower emissions.

Andy Cooper, managing director of CrossCountry, said: “We’re really excited that work is starting on the overhaul of these trains. This is a major step towards meeting our commitment to provide 35 per cent extra seats and increased luggage space on CrossCountry services.”

John Bidewell, managing director of Brush Traction, said: “We are delighted to be working with CrossCountry on this project to improve services and help safeguard the environment.”

The work is scheduled to be completed in time for the December 2008 timetable change and the HSTs will be introduced on the Edinburgh to Plymouth route to provide extra capacity along the busy corridor through Leeds.

A contract will be let shortly for the overhaul and refurbishment of the passenger carriages for the five trains. Each will run in service with two power cars and eight carriages.

CrossCountry is part of the Arriva group which operates transport services in 10 European countries, employs more than 37,000 people and provides more than one billion passenger journeys every year. For more information about CrossCountry www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk