PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve the quality of, and customer experience on, rural train services, including those operated by CrossCountry.

Asked by:
Cameron Thomas (Independent)

The Government recognises the importance of rural rail services in connecting people, supporting economic growth and providing access to opportunities. It remains committed to improving rail services for passengers across the network through investment in rolling stock, improved operational performance, and better customer information and accessibility. As part of this commitment to rural communities, Okehampton Interchange in Devon has recently opened, and a new station at Charfield in South Gloucestershire is due to open within the next two years.

The quality of service currently provided by CrossCountry is not where we want it to be. The Department continues to hold the operator, which is currently in private ownership, to account through the National Rail Contract to improve the passenger experience and service quality performance, supported by additional train capacity. Officials are working with CrossCountry on a business case to introduce additional Voyager trains to the CrossCountry fleet.

Over the next few years, the entire CrossCountry train fleet, for both inter-city and regional routes, is being refurbished. This is a £75 million investment being funded by the Department to deliver a better on-board experience for CrossCountry passengers, including new seats and more luggage space.

Answered by:
()