Rebranding bonanza for train companies

Gatwick Express is considering a name change and is working with Bamber Forsyth on its rebranding.

The group was appointed after a head-to-head with Roundel to carry out “quite a major rebranding exercise”, says Gatwick Express marketing and media relations manager Roy Campbell.

Bamber Forsyth is looking at interior and exterior livery, corporate identity, signage and branding in time for the arrival of 100m worth of rolling stock in May 1999. Jones Garrard is working on the industrial design of the eight new trains. “We are positioning ourselves as part of the airport,” says Campbell.

Post-privatisation activity continues among many operators reviewing their branding. Some are considering their image for the first time while others are going through a second generation redesign as they establish themselves in the market.

Stagecoach Holdings is talking to an unnamed consultancy about reviewing South West Trains’ livery. The move ties in with an order of new trains worth 90m.

SWT’s existing livery and identity were created by in-house design manager Alex Barker earlier this year – an evolution of Four IV’s marque created in 1994.

Regional Railways North East is believed to be planning a change of name. Its new livery, details of which are under wraps, is likely to launch in the new year.

North Western Trains’ new identity was completed earlier this month. It was created by Martyn Cornwall Design, which also handled the previous logo.

Midlands consultancy Cre’active Designs created the latest new identity for Chiltern Railways. The logo will be launched at the train trade fair Railtex, being held on 11 November at Wembley Stadium.

See News Analysis, page 8