First Great British Railways train unveiled in Brighton
Union Jack livery and new branding introduced to rail services across England
The first Great British Railways (GBR) branded train has been unveiled in Brighton.
The Class 387 train, operated by Southern, now sports a red, white, and blue Union Jack livery.
Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern, and Gatwick Express services will begin running publicly on 31st May 2026. The move follows South Western Railway's year as a public service.
The switch to GBR means public ownership for around 80% of passenger journeys.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), passengers are already enjoying enhanced punctuality and reduced cancellations with DfT train operators.
Additionally, there has been a freeze in rail fares, the first in three decades.
DFT says the GBR brand will also be prominently seen on stations, staff uniforms, and other trains as part of a gradual rollout "to ensure value for taxpayers' money".
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the importance of GBR’s integration:
"The unveiling of the first GBR-branded train in Brighton today makes the future of Britain’s railways a reality.
"It represents all of the work being done by staff up and down the country to fundamentally reform our railway.
"This isn’t just a paint job – it’s an important step towards building a more joined‑up, publicly owned railway that puts passengers first, delivers better services and leaves the frustrations and fragmentation of the past behind."
John Whitehurst, Chief Operating Officer for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), expressed pride in being the first train operator to feature GBR branding:
"It’s a significant milestone for everyone at GTR, which reflects our readiness for change and the improvements we’ve already been delivering for customers.
"As we move closer to our transition to public ownership on 31 May, our priorities remain providing safe and reliable services every day, with customers, colleagues and communities at the heart of everything we do."
Upcoming public ownership transfers include Chiltern Railways on 20th September 2026 and Great Western Railway on 13th December 2026, with the entire programme scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.