The New Identity for Great British Railways is Revealed.
The government has presented the branding for the new national rail body, signifying a notable step in its strategy to take the railways under public control.
An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem
The updated branding incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.
Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and first designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.
The Implementation Timeline
The implementation of the new look, which was created internally, is scheduled to occur gradually.
Passengers are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded services on the national network from next spring.
In the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at prominent stations, including Leeds City.
The Journey to Nationalisation
The proposed law, which will enable the formation of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the House of Commons.
The government has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the people, operating for the public, not for profit."
Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.
The government has said it will combine 17 various entities and "cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."
Digital Features and Existing Public Control
The launch of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive app, which will enable customers to check train times and purchase journeys free from additional fees.
Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.
A number of train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the previous administration, including LNER.
There are currently 7 operating companies already in public control, representing about a third of rail travel.
In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Industry Response
"This isn't just a paint job," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the past and concentrated entirely on providing a proper service for the public."
Industry figures have acknowledged the focus to bettering the passenger experience.
"The industry will continue to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a seamless handover to the new system," one executive said.