They were introduced in 2001 to replace the 20-year-old InterCity 125 and almost 40-year-old Class 47-hauled Mark 2 fleets operating on the Cross Country Route.

The related tilting Class 221 Super Voyager has outside-frame bogies and hence a more conventional appearance.

Their route availability is very good being RA 2[9] - in part due to the lightweight bogie design.

Class 220 units are fitted with an AB Hoses variable rate sanding system.

Units have sometimes been stopped by salt water, when storm-driven waves broke over the train at Dawlish in south Devon and inundated the resistor banks, causing the control software to shut down.

[12] There were a number of exhaust fires on the Voyager class during 2005–2006 due to incorrect fitting of equipment during overhauls.

[13] On 26 May 2006, a passenger was murdered aboard unit 220005 as it approached Oxenholme whilst working the Glasgow to Paignton service.

[15][16] This fire was caused by a bird getting caught under one of the hot brake resistors on the roof of the train.

The aim is to increase seating capacity, in line with its commitments to the franchise agreements, as well as to provide an at-seat trolley service for refreshments instead of a shop.