🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has presented the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a major stride in its strategy to bring the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Emblem

The updated livery showcases a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the UK flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Strategy

The phased introduction of the design, which was developed in-house, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are set to begin seeing the newly-branded trains across the network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at key stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the establishment of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."

GBR will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will unify seventeen different organisations and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also involve a dedicated app, which will let passengers to view schedules and book journeys without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to request help.

A number of franchises had previously been taken into public control under the former government, including LNER.

There are now seven train operators now in public control, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"The new design is not simply a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and focused solely on offering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," a representative noted.