‘Voyagers’ celebrate 20-year milestone
A SPECIAL event at Alstom's Central Rivers depot on July 27 was held to mark 20 years in service for the Class 220 ‘Voyager' and Class 221 ‘Supervoyager' InterCity DEMUs. Originally built by Bombardier (now part of Alstom) and introduced into passenger service by Virgin Trains from 2001, the four and five-car units are held in mixed regard by passengers.
For current operators CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast, however, the high reliability figures notched up by the units make them something of a success story. At the Central Rivers event, No. 220016 was presented wearing a commemorative bodyside vinyl. All 78 units are currently owned by Beacon Rail and maintained at Central Rivers, with heavy component overhaul taking place at Alstom's Crewe and Ilford facilities.