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The government has introduced the new branding for Great British Railways (GBR), signaling significant progress in the initiative to bring the railways under public ownership. Over the past year, three rail franchises have been brought back into state control, aligning with commitments previously made by the Labour Party in its manifesto.
Adopting a patriotic red, white, and blue palette inspired by the Union Flag, the refreshed branding will be visible on GBR-operated trains, at railway stations, and across digital platforms including its website and app. Although the recent Budget announced a freeze on rail fares for the coming year, officials have clarified that renationalisation does not guarantee fare reductions for passengers.
Developed internally, the new design will be rolled out in stages, with passengers likely to see the updated trains across the network beginning next spring. During December, elements of the branding will be showcased at key transport hubs such as London Bridge, Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, Leeds City, and Manchester Piccadilly. Meanwhile, the Railways Bill facilitating the formation of GBR is currently progressing through the House of Commons. The government emphasizes that the aim of renationalisation is to create a railway “owned by the public, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders.”
The GBR initiative also includes a dedicated app designed to enhance the travel experience, enabling users to check schedules and buy tickets without incurring booking fees. It will also assist disabled passengers in arranging necessary support. Presently, seven train operators operate under public ownership, handling around one-third of all journeys, with franchises like Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, and c2c recently nationalised as their contracts have ended. This trend is set to continue into 2026. The GBR logo retains the iconic double-arrow symbol, a design originally created in the 1960s for British Rail, the former state-run rail operator.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stressed that the redesign is more than just cosmetic, describing it as “a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.” Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, expressed support for the government’s dedication to service improvements, stating, “We will continue to work closely with industry partners to support a smooth transition to Great British Railways.
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