A New Logo for the UK's National Rail Body is Announced.
The UK government has disclosed the logo and livery for GBR, representing a notable advance in its agenda to bring the railways under nationalisation.
A Patriotic Palette and Historic Symbol
The updated branding showcases a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.
Interestingly, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and previously designed in the 1960s for British Rail.
The Introduction Strategy
The implementation of the new look, which was developed internally, is expected to happen in phases.
Passengers are expected to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services across the network from the coming spring.
During the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at key stations, including Birmingham New Street.
A Path to Nationalisation
The Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the House of Commons.
The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."
Great British Railways will unify the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.
The government has said it will merge 17 different bodies and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."
App-Based Services and Current Public Control
The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to see schedules and book journeys free from surcharges.
Accessibility users will also be able to use the app to request assistance.
Multiple train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the former administration, such as LNER.
There are currently seven operating companies now in public hands, representing about a third of journeys.
In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.
Ministerial and Sector Response
"This is more than a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and dedicated entirely on offering a genuine public service."
Rail representatives have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience.
"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a successful transition to GBR," a senior figure said.