No matter how much train fares cost under Great British Railways, no one can accuse the government of wasting money on an expensive redesign.
The logo, branding and livery for the impending renationalised and reformed railway will be unveiled by ministers at London Bridge on Tuesday. It is red, white and, yes, blue.
The Department for Transport said passengers will get their “first look at the future” of Britain’s railways – a future that may ring a few bells. Designed in-house at the DfT, the logo is the GBR name in rail typeface accompanied by the double arrow symbol – what the DfT describes as a “nod to Britain’s proud railway heritage”, rather than a direct lift from British Rail.
The first actual trains to be repainted could arrive from next spring, but fans of pretend ones can see the brand on a Hornby model and a virtual version in the Train Sim World 6 game at London Bridge, and on displays at other leading stations around the country.
The unveiling comes as legislation aimed at reforming the railway is debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The government hopes the bill will create a unified, accountable nationalised railway after decades of a fragmented private system.
The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “The future of Britain’s railways begins today. I’m immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.
“This isn’t just a paint job – it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.
“With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, we are building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.”
Seven of England’s former private train operators are already back in public hands, covering a third of all passenger journeys in Great Britain, with the rest due to renationalised by the end of 2027. The new GBR, to be headquartered in Derby, will bring track and train operations together, at arm’s length from the government, and a strengthened passenger watchdog will be set up to monitor service.
The new brand design also features on the GBR ticketing app under development, which the government will roll out as a new one-stop shop for passengers to check on their journeys and to buy tickets for travel across the whole network, without any booking fees. The DfT said the GBR app would also simplify travel for disabled passengers, who will be able to book Passenger Assist services to board and disembark trains in the same app when buying tickets.
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In October, the design of the new Great British Railways station clock was unveiled, also at London Bridge.
Alex Robertson, the chief executive of the current independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “As well as what is written into law, the success of GBR will depend on its people and culture, and today gives us a glimpse into what that could look and feel like.”
A first big test for state-controlled services comes from next week when hundreds more LNER trains are added each week on a revamped east coast mainline timetable.
Alexander announced last month that rail fares in England will be frozen in 2026 for the first time in 30 years.