Overview
- The first GBR‑branded Class 387 was revealed in Brighton on Thursday, May 21, 2026, giving passengers an early look at the red, white and blue Union‑flag‑inspired livery.
- Govia Thameslink Railway’s services — Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express — are scheduled to transfer into public ownership on Sunday, May 31, 2026, joining other lines already run by the Department for Transport.
- The government will roll out the new branding gradually across trains, stations and staff uniforms and plans a GBR ticketing app that will show times, sell tickets without booking fees and offer Passenger Assist.
- Transport ministers have set a package of short-term measures for the first 100 days, including hiring more drivers, extra Gatwick Express services, Thameslink signalling upgrades and a freeze on fares that the government highlights as an immediate benefit.
- Officials say the programme will consolidate tracks and services under one body, with more than 11,000 weekday services affected once GTR transfers and further operator moves planned through late 2026 ahead of a full rollout by the end of 2027.