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The government has revealed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a significant step in its policy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Historic Logo

The updated branding features a Union Flag-inspired palette to echo the UK flag and will be used on rolling stock, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the symbol is the recognisable double-arrow design presently used by the national rail network and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Strategy

The implementation of the new look, which was developed internally, is expected to take place gradually.

Passengers are set to start seeing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the UK rail network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at major railway stations, including London Bridge.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the creation of GBR, is presently moving through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the public, delivering for the people, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will unify 17 separate organisations and "cut through the frustrating red tape and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a new mobile application, which will allow users to view schedules and book journeys absent additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the application to arrange assistance.

Several franchises had previously been taken into public control under the former government, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 operating companies now in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and focused solely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the focus to improving services.

"We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a smooth changeover to GBR," one executive added.