The New Identity for the UK's National Rail Body is Announced.

The government has revealed the visual identity for GBR, representing a notable stride in its plans to bring the railways under public control.

Placeholder for GBR branding image The new Great British Railways branding

An National Design and Iconic Emblem

The new design features a red, white and blue colour scheme to echo the Union Flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and originally designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

Placeholder for historical logo image The historic double-arrow logo used by British Rail
The iconic double-arrow symbol was formerly used by British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The rollout of the design, which was designed by the department, is set to take place over time.

Commuters are expected to begin spotting the newly-branded trains across the network from next spring.

During the month of December, the design will be displayed at major railway stations, like Birmingham New Street.

A Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the public, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has said it will merge 17 various organisations and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will let passengers to view train times and reserve journeys absent surcharges.

Disabled passengers will also be able to use the application to arrange support.

Placeholder for GBR app mockup A mock-up of the proposed GBR app interface
A preview of how the GBR app might appear.

Several train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including TPE.

There are now seven operating companies now in public hands, covering about a third of journeys.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with more likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the pledge to improving services.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to GBR," a senior figure said.

Placeholder for additional branding image Further visuals of the GBR branding
Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson

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