🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has introduced the visual identity for the new national rail body, marking a notable step in its plans to take the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Design and Familiar Symbol

The fresh design features a patriotic colour scheme to reflect the national flag and will be used on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Plan

The rollout of the branding, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Travellers are scheduled to begin noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the national network from spring next year.

Throughout December, the design will be displayed at key railway stations, such as Leeds City.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is presently progressing through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for corporate interests."

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

The department has stated it will unify seventeen separate bodies and "cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will let customers to view schedules and reserve tickets without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to book assistance.

Several operators had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, including TPE.

There are now 7 operating companies already in public control, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"This is not simply a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the past and focused completely on providing a reliable service for the public."

Rail figures have acknowledged the pledge to improving the passenger experience.

"We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition to GBR," a representative added.