🔗 Share this article

The government has introduced the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a notable advance in its policy to bring the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Emblem

The fresh livery uses a red, white and blue palette to echo the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow design currently used by the national rail network and previously designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The introduction of the design, which was created in-house, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Travellers are set to start noticing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the UK rail network from next spring.

During the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at key stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Renationalisation

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

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "run by the public, working for the public, not for corporate interests."

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

The department has said it will combine 17 various bodies and "reduce the frustrating red tape and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a new app, which will let users to check schedules and book tickets free from booking fees.

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

A number of operators had previously been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including TPE.

There are now 7 operating companies already in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is not simply a paint job," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the issues of the past and dedicated completely on providing a proper public service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the pledge to improving services.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a smooth handover to the new system," a representative said.