🔗 Share this article

The UK government has disclosed the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a notable move in its plans to take the railways into public ownership.

A National Palette and Historic Logo

The updated livery showcases a patriotic palette to echo the national flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow design historically used by National Rail and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Introduction Plan

The rollout of the design, which was developed internally, is set to occur in phases.

Travellers are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried services throughout the national network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be showcased at prominent stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the formation of GBR, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the public, not for corporate interests."

The new body will bring the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will combine 17 separate organisations and "eliminate the frustrating administrative hurdles and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will let customers to see schedules and book journeys without booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to book support.

Several operators had previously been taken into public control under the former administration, such as Southeastern.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public control, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the previous system and dedicated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering services.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to support a smooth handover to GBR," a senior figure added.