The New Logo for GBR is Announced.
The UK government has presented the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a major move in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.
An National Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem
The updated design uses a Union Flag-inspired design to mirror the UK flag and will be used on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.
Interestingly, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and originally created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.
The Introduction Plan
The introduction of the design, which was created internally, is expected to occur in phases.
Passengers are scheduled to begin seeing the newly-branded services on the network from the coming spring.
In December, the design will be displayed at key railway stations, like London Bridge.
The Path to Public Ownership
The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.
The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."
The new body will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.
The government has claimed it will combine 17 different organisations and "reduce the notorious bureaucracy and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."
Digital Features and Current Public Control
The introduction of GBR will also involve a dedicated app, which will allow customers to see train times and book tickets without booking fees.
Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the app to book help.
Several train companies had already been taken into public control under the former government, including Southeastern.
There are currently 7 train operators now in public hands, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.
In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with more expected to follow in the coming years.
Official and Sector Reaction
"The new design is more than a paint job," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and dedicated solely on providing a genuine public service."
Industry leaders have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.
"The industry will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to facilitate a seamless transition to the new system," one executive said.
