🔗 Share this article

The government has introduced the branding for Great British Railways, marking a significant stride in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Design and Familiar Emblem

The fresh livery showcases a red, white and blue palette to mirror the UK flag and will be applied on locomotives, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Rollout Plan

The introduction of the new look, which was created internally, is set to happen gradually.

Passengers are scheduled to begin seeing the newly-branded trains on the national network from the coming spring.

Throughout December, the branding will be displayed at major stations, including Leeds City.

The Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the formation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will combine 17 various bodies and "eliminate the problematic red tape and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also feature a new mobile application, which will allow users to view schedules and reserve tickets absent surcharges.

Disabled travellers will also be able to use the app to request assistance.

A number of franchises had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, including TPE.

There are now seven operating companies now in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a paint job," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the previous system and concentrated entirely on offering a proper public service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the focus to enhancing services.

"We will continue to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a seamless handover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.