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The government has introduced the logo and livery for the new national rail body, representing a key advance in its agenda to bring the railways back into state hands.

An National Palette and Iconic Emblem

The fresh design incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow logo presently used by the national rail network and previously designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Rollout Strategy

The rollout of the branding, which was created internally, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Commuters are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded trains across the network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at major railway stations, including Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The administration has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the people, delivering for the people, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will bring the running of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify 17 separate entities and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will allow customers to check schedules and reserve journeys free from booking fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the application to book help.

Multiple franchises had previously been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including Northern.

There are currently seven train operators already in public hands, representing about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"This is more than a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the past and dedicated solely on providing a reliable service for the public."

Industry leaders have welcomed the focus to enhancing the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure added.