🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has introduced the visual identity for Great British Railways, constituting a notable move in its policy to take the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Historic Symbol

The updated branding showcases a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and first created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Implementation Timeline

The introduction of the new look, which was created internally, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin seeing the freshly-liveried trains on the network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the design will be exhibited at prominent railway stations, like Leeds City.

The Path to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

The administration has argued it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the people, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

The new body will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The department has stated it will unify 17 separate entities and "reduce the frustrating red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of GBR will also involve a new app, which will allow users to see schedules and purchase journeys absent surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the app to arrange support.

Several operators had earlier been taken into public control under the previous government, such as TPE.

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

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the past and concentrated completely on providing a reliable public service."

Rail figures have acknowledged the focus to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to support a successful changeover to the new system," one executive added.