The New Identity for GBR is Revealed.
The administration has unveiled the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a notable stride in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.
A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Symbol
The fresh livery incorporates a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its online presence.
Significantly, the emblem is the recognisable twin-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and originally introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.
A Implementation Plan
The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is scheduled to happen gradually.
Passengers are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded services across the UK rail network from the coming spring.
During the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key stations, such as Birmingham New Street.
The Path to Nationalisation
The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the Parliament.
The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the public, delivering for the people, not for corporate interests."
GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.
The department has stated it will merge 17 different entities and "reduce the notorious red tape and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."
App-Based Features and Existing Public Control
The introduction of GBR will also include a dedicated app, which will enable passengers to check schedules and purchase tickets absent surcharges.
Disabled travellers will also be able to use the application to arrange support.
A number of train companies had already been taken into public control under the former administration, including LNER.
There are now seven train operators already in public hands, covering about a one-third of rail travel.
In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Sector Response
"This is not simply a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, leaving behind the problems of the past and concentrated solely on delivering a genuine public service."
Industry leaders have acknowledged the focus to improving services.
"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to facilitate a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.