The New Identity for the UK's National Rail Body is Unveiled.
The administration has revealed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, signifying a key stride in its strategy to take the railways under public control.
An Patriotic Design and Familiar Emblem
The new livery uses a patriotic design to reflect the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its online presence.
Significantly, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.
A Rollout Strategy
The rollout of the branding, which was designed in-house, is expected to occur in phases.
Travellers are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded trains on the network from next spring.
In the month of December, the design will be showcased at key stations, including London Bridge.
The Journey to Public Ownership
The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.
The administration has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the public, operating for the public, not for corporate interests."
Great British Railways will consolidate the running of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.
The government has stated it will combine seventeen separate organisations and "cut through the notorious administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."
App-Based Features and Existing Public Control
The launch of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will enable customers to see train times and book journeys without additional fees.
Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the app to request help.
Multiple franchises had already been nationalised under the previous administration, such as Northern.
There are currently seven operating companies already in public hands, covering about a one-third of journeys.
In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.
Ministerial and Industry Comments
"This isn't just a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and dedicated completely on delivering a reliable public service."
Rail leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing services.
"The industry will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to facilitate a smooth transition to Great British Railways," one executive added.