🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has presented the logo and livery for Great British Railways, representing a significant step in its plans to bring the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Emblem

The updated design incorporates a red, white and blue design to echo the Union Flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the symbol is the recognisable twin-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Introduction Strategy

The implementation of the new look, which was developed in-house, is scheduled to happen gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services across the UK rail network from next spring.

Throughout December, the design will be displayed at prominent railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the formation of GBR, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The administration has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for corporate interests."

GBR will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will merge seventeen different organisations and "reduce the frustrating red tape and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive app, which will allow users to see timetables and purchase tickets without surcharges.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the app to book support.

A number of operators had already been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are now 7 train operators now in state ownership, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"This isn't just a new logo," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, shedding the issues of the past and focused entirely on delivering a genuine service for the public."

Industry figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to facilitate a seamless handover to the new system," a senior figure noted.