The New Logo for GBR is Uncovered.
The UK government has disclosed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a significant step in its agenda to bring the railways under nationalisation.
A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Emblem
The new livery uses a patriotic colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.
Interestingly, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.
The Introduction Strategy
The implementation of the branding, which was created internally, is scheduled to occur in phases.
Commuters are scheduled to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services on the UK rail network from the coming spring.
During December, the visuals will be showcased at major railway stations, including Glasgow Central.
The Journey to Nationalisation
The legislation, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is presently moving through the Parliament.
The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."
GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.
The department has stated it will merge 17 separate bodies and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."
Digital Services and Existing Ownership
The launch of GBR will also involve a new mobile application, which will allow users to check train times and purchase tickets free from additional fees.
Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.
Several operators had already been taken into public control under the former government, such as TPE.
There are currently 7 train operators now in state ownership, accounting for about a third of journeys.
In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.
Ministerial and Industry Comments
"This is more than a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the past and dedicated entirely on delivering a genuine service for the public."
Industry figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to bettering services.
"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system," one executive noted.
