The Fresh Branding for GBR is Uncovered.
The Transport Department has unveiled the branding for the new national rail body, marking a significant advance in its agenda to bring the railways back into state hands.
A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Emblem
The new livery showcases a red, white and blue palette to reflect the Union Flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.
Interestingly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow logo historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.
The Introduction Strategy
The rollout of the branding, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to take place gradually.
Travellers are set to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the UK rail network from the coming spring.
During the month of December, the design will be exhibited at prominent railway stations, including Leeds City.
A Path to Renationalisation
The legislation, which will enable the establishment of GBR, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.
The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the public, working for the passengers, not for profit."
Great British Railways will bring the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.
The department has claimed it will unify 17 various organisations and "eliminate the notorious red tape and accountability gap that hinders the railways."
App-Based Features and Current Public Control
The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive app, which will let users to see timetables and purchase tickets without additional fees.
Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the app to request assistance.
Several train companies had already been taken into public control under the former administration, including Northern.
There are now 7 operating companies already in state ownership, representing about a one-third of journeys.
In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more likely to be added in the coming years.
Official and Sector Comments
"The new design isn't just a new logo," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and concentrated completely on offering a reliable public service."
Rail figures have responded positively to the pledge to enhancing services.
"The industry will continue to cooperate with industry partners to support a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.
