🔗 Share this article

The government has disclosed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a notable step in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Design and Iconic Symbol

The updated design showcases a red, white and blue palette to mirror the national flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and first designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was created internally, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Travellers are set to begin spotting the newly-branded trains on the UK rail network from next spring.

During December, the branding will be showcased at prominent stations, such as London Bridge.

A Path to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the creation of GBR, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for profit."

The new body will unify the running of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has claimed it will combine seventeen separate organisations and "cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of GBR will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to check train times and purchase tickets free from surcharges.

Disabled users will also be able to use the app to arrange help.

Several train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including Southeastern.

There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, covering about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with more likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It represents "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the past and dedicated solely on offering a proper public service."

Rail figures have welcomed the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with industry partners to ensure a seamless handover to the new system," a senior figure noted.