🔗 Share this article

The government has introduced the visual identity for Great British Railways, constituting a key advance in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.

An National Colour Scheme and Historic Emblem

The new branding showcases a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the UK flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and previously created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Plan

The phased introduction of the branding, which was created by the department, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Passengers are set to begin spotting the newly-branded trains throughout the UK rail network from next spring.

During December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, including Glasgow Central.

A Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is currently progressing through the legislative process.

The administration has stated it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, operating for the people, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will bring the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will unify seventeen various organisations and "cut through the notorious red tape and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow users to see train times and book tickets without booking fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be able to use the app to arrange support.

Multiple train companies had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as LNER.

There are now seven train operators already in public hands, representing about a one-third of journeys.

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

Ministerial and Sector Response

"The new design isn't just a paint job," stated the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, shedding the issues of the previous system and concentrated solely on delivering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Industry leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"We will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a seamless handover to Great British Railways," a representative added.