A Fresh Identity for GBR is Unveiled.
The administration has revealed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a key move in its agenda to take the railways under nationalisation.
A Patriotic Palette and Historic Symbol
The new branding features a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.
Significantly, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and first designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.
The Rollout Plan
The rollout of the branding, which was designed in-house, is set to occur gradually.
Travellers are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains on the network from spring next year.
Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key stations, such as Glasgow Central.
A Path to Renationalisation
The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the House of Commons.
The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for corporate interests."
Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.
The government has said it will merge 17 various bodies and "cut through the notorious administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."
Digital Features and Existing Public Control
The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive app, which will enable users to see timetables and book tickets absent surcharges.
Accessibility users will also be able to use the application to request assistance.
A number of franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, such as LNER.
There are currently seven operating companies already in state ownership, representing about a third of rail travel.
In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Sector Reaction
"The new design is not simply a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, casting off the issues of the past and concentrated completely on delivering a proper service for the public."
Industry leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.
"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a smooth transition to the new system," a representative added.
