🔗 Share this article

The administration has disclosed the logo and livery for Great British Railways, representing a major move in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Emblem

The updated design incorporates a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the emblem is the recognisable double-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and first introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the design, which was created internally, is set to occur in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains on the national network from spring next year.

During December, the visuals will be showcased at major railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

A Path to Public Ownership

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

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

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

The department has said it will combine seventeen various organisations and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The launch of GBR will also include a new mobile application, which will let customers to view schedules and book tickets absent surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

A number of franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies already in state ownership, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Response

"The new design isn't just a paint job," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, casting off the problems of the previous system and dedicated solely on offering a reliable service for the public."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to Great British Railways," a representative noted.