NEXT year – 2026 – will be a massive year for the nation’s railway services.
The new Great British Railways brand was unveiled earlier this month as landmark legislation was debated in the commons.
The aim is to get one railway brought back into public ownership to deliver a more reliable network.
Those who have been a regular rail commuter or even just used trains for leisure, will have had your fair share of delays, cancellations and extortionate fees to get where you need to be.
Hopefully all that will change.
A new GBR ticketing app will allow people to buy tickets without booking fees – and this comes after the government’s freeze on rail fares to put money back in passengers’ pockets.
The GBR ticketing app will be a one-stop shop for passengers to check train times and buy tickets at the best prices across the rail network without any booking fees.
Disabled passengers will also be able to use the app to book Passenger Assist when buying tickets, creating a seamless experience.
Up and down the country, the consensus is clear – the railway needs to improve.
That is why the government is bringing train operators back into public ownership to reform a fragmented system.
Seven major train operators are already in public hands, covering a third of all passenger journeys in Great Britain.
The logo and train livery for GBR will be rolled out from spring 2026 to trains, websites, stations and more – bringing the railway together under one brand owned by the public, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders.
The new brand
The design features a red, white and blue colour scheme and sharp angles to create a striking and memorable design mirroring the Union Flag.
The GBR logo has also been revealed, featuring the iconic double arrow symbol in a nod to Britain’s proud railway heritage.
The landmark Railways Bill follows the government’s decision to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years to put money back in passengers’ pockets and ease the cost of living for hard-working people.
The bill will create Great British Railways, which will bring together 17 different organisations, cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways and instead run Britain’s railways as a single organisation for the first time in decades.
GBR will maintain and improve the railways, accountable to passengers, freight customers and taxpayers.
Fares and ticketing will be brought into the 21st century (including with the new app), a strengthened passenger watchdog will investigate poor service and demand improvement, and GBR will be empowered to build a railway that supports the government’s missions to drive economic growth and opportunity by unlocking jobs and housing.
A railway for everyone
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the future of Britain’s railways was under way
“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.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The Railways Bill presents an opportunity to bring the industry together with a single focus on delivering for our customers and we are determined to play our part in getting it right.
“As the industry evolves, our priority remains supporting the rail network to keep people moving and making sure we are delivering a better railway for everyone across the country, now and in the future.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to improving the services our customers depend on every day and we will continue to work closely with industry partners to support a smooth transition to Great British Railways.”
