The UK’s new nationalised train operator Great British Railways (GBR) has moved a step closer as legislation goes through parliament and the branding for its trains is revealed.
The government’s long-awaited Railways Bill, which will formally create GBR, is due to be debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday (9 December).
The Department for Transport (DFT) has also unveiled what the new nationalised trains will look like once GBR is up and running in early 2026.
The government has been slowly bringing rail services back into public ownership as management contracts with private operators have expired – a process which should be completed by the end of 2027.
It has also announced a freeze on regulated rail fares in England for 2026, instead of the usual inflation-linked annual increase in prices.
UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “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.”
The government said that GBR’s logo and train livery will be rolled out from spring 2026 to trains, websites and stations.
Seven rail operations have already been brought back into public ownership, including South Western Railway, c2c and Greater Anglia in 2025. They will be followed by West Midlands Trains and Govia Thameslink in the first half of 2026.