First Great British Railways Train Unveiled In Brighton Ahead Of Public Ownership Changes

(c) Department for Transport

The first train carrying Great British Railways branding has been unveiled in Brighton ahead of major changes to the future of the rail network.

A Southern Class 387 train has been given the new look as services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway prepare to move into public ownership on 31st May.

The redesigned train features a red, white and blue colour scheme inspired by the Union flag, alongside the return of the iconic double-arrow rail symbol previously associated with British Rail.

Great British Railways will become a new public body bringing responsibility for train services and infrastructure under a single organisation — the most significant structural change to the railway since privatisation in the 1990s.

The branding is expected to appear gradually across stations, staff uniforms and trains as the transition progresses.

Southern services, along with Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, are among the latest operators due to transfer into public ownership later this month.

The move forms part of a wider programme that will see rail services brought under government management, with the transition expected to continue through to the end of next year.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the launch as an important step towards creating a more joined-up railway focused on improving passenger experience and service reliability.