Great British Railways launches first branded train in Brighton as public ownership begins

Great British Railways train branding public ownership Govia Thameslink Railway Heidi Alexander

On 21 May 2026 the first Great British Railways (GBR) branded train was unveiled in Brighton. The Southern Class 387 sports a red, white and blue Union‑Jack livery and the double‑arrow logo, signalling the start of a nationwide rebranding.

The launch coincides with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and several other operators moving to public ownership on 31 May, part of the government's plan to consolidate tracks and services under a single public sector body for the first time since rail privatisation in the 1990s. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the unveiling “makes the future of Britain’s railways a reality”. The Department for Transport described the design as “fresh, unmistakably British” and said it will be rolled out gradually to stations, staff uniforms and trains.

Officials expect the new structure to improve punctuality, reduce cancellations and maintain a three‑decade‑long freeze on rail fares, benefiting millions of passengers travelling over the summer. The public‑ownership programme is slated for completion by the end of next year.

Sources

Full steam ahead for Great British Railways as first branded train unveiled [caithness-business.co.uk]

2 months ago

Full steam ahead for Great British Railways as first branded train unveiled | Olay Gazete Turkish Newspaper in London [olaygazete.co.uk]

2 months ago

First train with Great British Railway branding unveiled | The Railway Hub [www.therailwayhub.co.uk]

2 months ago

First train with Great British Railway branding unveiled | The Railway Magazine [www.railwaymagazine.co.uk]

2 months ago