The Fresh Identity for GBR is Unveiled.
The administration has presented the visual identity for Great British Railways, constituting a significant advance in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.
An National Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem
The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired design to reflect the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.
Significantly, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.
A Implementation Strategy
The implementation of the new look, which was designed in-house, is expected to happen over time.
Commuters are set to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services throughout the UK rail network from spring next year.
Throughout December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, including Leeds City.
The Journey to Renationalisation
The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the establishment of GBR, is currently making its way through the legislative process.
The administration has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the public, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."
Great British Railways will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.
The department has said it will combine 17 separate bodies and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."
App-Based Services and Existing Ownership
The launch of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will let customers to see train times and reserve journeys free from surcharges.
Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.
Several operators had earlier been nationalised under the previous administration, including TPE.
There are currently 7 operating companies now in state ownership, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.
In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.
Ministerial and Sector Response
"This is not simply a paint job," commented the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the problems of the previous system and focused solely on providing a proper public service."
Industry leaders have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.
"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth transition to Great British Railways," one executive said.