Trains to get Union Jack-style makeover under nationalisation plans
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the move "represents a new railway"
Trains in the UK will be given a Union Jack-inspired makeover as part of the Government's rail nationalisation plans, it has been revealed.
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State-owned company Great British Railways are to unveil its branding on Tuesday, before it is rolled out to trains, websites and stations from Spring next year.
The paint-job, described as "striking and memorable design,' will see the colours red, blue and white added to the branding.
It was developed in-house to maximise value for money, the Department for Transport said.
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The seven major train operators already nationalised have so far kept the branding of their previous operators.
The new livery will mark a stark change from the "Rail Blue" colour scheme that defined publicly owned British Rail's trains from the mid-1960s to the 1980s.
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.
"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."
The branding will gradually be rolled out across a number of publicly owned train operators from next spring.