A Updated Branding for the UK's National Rail Body is Announced.
The administration has presented the logo and livery for GBR, signifying a significant stride in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.
A National Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem
The new livery features a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.
Notably, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow design presently used by National Rail and first designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.
A Implementation Plan
The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to take place over time.
Commuters are scheduled to start seeing the freshly-liveried trains across the national network from the coming spring.
Throughout December, the branding will be exhibited at major railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.
A Path to Renationalisation
The legislation, which will allow the creation of GBR, is currently progressing through the Parliament.
The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the people, working for the public, not for corporate interests."
Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.
The department has said it will combine seventeen different bodies and "cut through the frustrating red tape and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."
App-Based Features and Current Public Control
The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable users to check train times and book journeys absent booking fees.
Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.
A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, such as Southeastern.
There are currently 7 train operators already in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.
In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Industry Comments
"This is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated solely on delivering a reliable service for the public."
Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.
"The industry will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to ensure a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," a representative said.