The Fresh Branding for GBR is Announced.
The Transport Department has unveiled the visual identity for the new national rail body, marking a key advance in its plans to take the railways back into state hands.
An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Logo
The fresh livery features a Union Flag-inspired design to reflect the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app.
Interestingly, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and first created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.
A Implementation Plan
The introduction of the new look, which was designed in-house, is scheduled to happen in phases.
Commuters are expected to begin seeing the newly-branded services across the UK rail network from next spring.
Throughout December, the visuals will be exhibited at key railway stations, including Glasgow Central.
The Path to Nationalisation
The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the Parliament.
The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "owned by the people, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."
Great British Railways will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.
The government has stated it will merge seventeen various entities and "reduce the notorious administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."
Digital Features and Existing Public Control
The rollout of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will allow passengers to view train times and book journeys without additional fees.
Disabled users will also be have the option to use the application to book support.
Multiple operators had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including TPE.
There are currently 7 train operators now in state ownership, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.
In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.
Official and Industry Response
"The new design is not simply a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated completely on offering a genuine passenger-focused service."
Industry representatives have responded positively to the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.
"We will carry on to cooperate with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless changeover to GBR," a representative added.
