🔗 Share this article

The UK government has presented the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a major advance in its policy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A National Design and Iconic Emblem

The updated design features a red, white and blue palette to echo the UK flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the symbol is the iconic twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and first created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the design, which was developed internally, is expected to happen gradually.

Passengers are set to begin noticing the freshly-liveried services throughout the network from next spring.

Throughout December, the design will be showcased at prominent railway stations, like Leeds City.

A Journey to Nationalisation

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

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the passengers, not for profit."

GBR will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The department has stated it will merge 17 different entities and "eliminate the notorious red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive app, which will allow customers to check timetables and purchase tickets absent surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

Several operators had already been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are now seven operating companies now in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of journeys.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with more likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated entirely on offering a genuine public service."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a successful transition to the new system," a representative said.