A Fresh Identity for GBR is Announced.
The government has disclosed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, representing a major move in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.
A Patriotic Palette and Familiar Logo
The new branding uses a patriotic palette to represent the UK flag and will be used on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.
Significantly, the logo is the recognisable twin-arrow design historically used by National Rail and previously created in the 1960s for the former state operator.
The Rollout Strategy
The introduction of the design, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to occur over time.
Passengers are expected to begin seeing the freshly-liveried trains across the UK rail network from next spring.
During December, the branding will be exhibited at prominent stations, such as Birmingham New Street.
The Journey to Public Ownership
The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the legislative process.
The government has stated it is renationalising the railways so the service is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for profit."
GBR will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.
The government has said it will combine 17 various entities and "cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."
App-Based Features and Existing Ownership
The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a new app, which will let passengers to see train times and purchase tickets free from surcharges.
Accessibility users will also be able to use the application to arrange assistance.
Several operators had previously been taken into public control under the previous government, such as Southeastern.
There are currently 7 train operators already in public control, covering about a third of passenger trips.
In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Industry Response
"This is more than a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the past and dedicated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."
Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing services.
"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a smooth changeover to the new system," one executive said.