🔗 Share this article

The Transport Department has revealed the visual identity for GBR, representing a key stride in its plans to take the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow logo presently used by the national rail network and first designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The phased introduction of the design, which was designed internally, is scheduled to happen over time.

Commuters are scheduled to begin noticing the newly-branded services on the national network from the coming spring.

In December, the visuals will be exhibited at prominent stations, including Glasgow Central.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "owned by the public, working for the public, not for profit."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a new mobile application, which will let users to view schedules and book journeys absent booking fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the app to arrange support.

A number of operators had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including TPE.

There are currently seven operating companies now in public control, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"This isn't just a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, shedding the issues of the previous system and dedicated entirely on offering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving services.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to support a seamless transition to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.