🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has introduced the branding for Great British Railways, marking a key step in its policy to bring the railways into public ownership.

A National Colour Scheme and Familiar Symbol

The new livery uses a red, white and blue colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and first introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Commuters are scheduled to start noticing the freshly-liveried trains on the UK rail network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at key railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Path to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the legislative process.

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

GBR will bring the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has claimed it will combine seventeen various bodies and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also include a new mobile application, which will enable customers to check timetables and purchase tickets free from surcharges.

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

A number of train companies had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including Southeastern.

There are now seven train operators already in public control, covering about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"This is more than a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the previous system and focused completely on providing a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry representatives have welcomed the government's commitment to improving services.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.