The New Branding for Great British Railways is Unveiled.
The UK government has disclosed the visual identity for Great British Railways, marking a key stride in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.
An Patriotic Palette and Iconic Emblem
The updated livery incorporates a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to represent the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.
Interestingly, the symbol is the well-known double-arrow design historically used by National Rail and originally introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.
The Implementation Strategy
The introduction of the branding, which was designed by the department, is expected to happen gradually.
Commuters are expected to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the UK rail network from spring next year.
During the month of December, the design will be showcased at key railway stations, like Birmingham New Street.
A Journey to Public Ownership
The legislation, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament.
The administration has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders."
GBR will consolidate the running of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.
The government has claimed it will unify seventeen different bodies and "cut through the frustrating red tape and poor accountability that hinders the railways."
App-Based Features and Existing Public Control
The rollout of GBR will also involve a comprehensive app, which will allow customers to check train times and purchase journeys absent surcharges.
Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the application to book support.
Several operators had earlier been taken into public control under the previous government, including Southeastern.
There are now 7 train operators already in public control, covering about a one-third of journeys.
In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with more expected to be added in the coming years.
Official and Sector Response
"This is more than a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, shedding the problems of the previous system and dedicated entirely on delivering a genuine passenger-focused service."
Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing services.
"The industry will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a successful handover to the new system," a representative added.
