🔗 Share this article

The government has presented the branding for Great British Railways, representing a key move in its policy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Design and Familiar Symbol

The updated branding uses a patriotic palette to reflect the UK flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the recognisable twin-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and previously introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Plan

The rollout of the new look, which was created internally, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Commuters are set to begin spotting the freshly-liveried trains throughout the national network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at major stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will pave the way the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the people, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will unify 17 separate entities and "reduce the problematic red tape and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a new mobile application, which will enable users to view timetables and reserve journeys without booking fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the app to book assistance.

A number of operators had already been nationalised under the previous administration, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 train operators now in public hands, covering about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the previous system and concentrated entirely on providing a reliable public service."

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

"We will carry on to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless transition to Great British Railways," a representative added.