A Fresh Branding for GBR is Unveiled.
The administration has unveiled the visual identity for the new national rail body, constituting a major stride in its policy to take the railways into public ownership.
A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Logo
The fresh livery uses a patriotic colour scheme to reflect the UK flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.
Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.
The Introduction Plan
The introduction of the design, which was created in-house, is set to occur in phases.
Travellers are scheduled to start seeing the freshly-liveried services across the network from spring next year.
During the month of December, the design will be showcased at prominent railway stations, like Birmingham New Street.
The Journey to Renationalisation
The legislation, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the legislative process.
The government has argued it is renationalising the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders."
GBR will unify the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.
The department has stated it will unify 17 different organisations and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."
Digital Services and Current Ownership
The launch of GBR will also include a dedicated app, which will enable customers to check schedules and purchase journeys absent booking fees.
Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be have the option to use the application to request help.
Multiple train companies had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, including Northern.
There are currently 7 operating companies now in public control, covering about a third of passenger trips.
In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with more likely to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Sector Comments
"The new design isn't just a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, casting off the problems of the past and focused completely on delivering a reliable service for the public."
Industry leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing services.
"The industry will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to support a smooth transition to Great British Railways," a representative added.
