So one of the biggest stories whilst I have been gone is the franchises merry go round going on at the moment in the UK. East Coast has been Privatised to Virgin Trains (VTEC now) and First Group have retained the Great Western franchise.
As part of the new GWR franchise, First Group are promising to give the railway back to the customers and reinvigorate Brunel's ambition for the Great Western and to give customers a Great Western Railway they can be proud of.
A number of things have changed, Firstly the name. From First Great Western to Great Western Railway accompanied by a change in corporate colours from blue, Pink and Purple to Green and Silver.
GWR have unveiled a few trains in the new Green Livery and with a new Green interior. Photo's of one of the green trains are included.
Green Power Cars 43187 & 43188
Buffet carriage on LA15 (40710)
Standard Class seating on LA15
Standard Class Table on LA15
I find it very interesting how First group only has a mention of "A first group company" on the side of the carriages in small writing. Maybe the DFT will rebrand the Great Western franchise as GWR regardless of the franchise owner \ operator.
Whats your opinion on the new change and do you think it will benefit the industry / customers?
