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The government has unveiled the branding for the new national rail body, representing a major step in its plans to take the railways under public control.

A National Palette and Iconic Logo

The updated livery uses a red, white and blue colour scheme to reflect the UK flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

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

The Introduction Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was developed internally, is set to occur in phases.

Passengers are scheduled to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services throughout the national network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at prominent stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the creation of GBR, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

The government has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for profit."

The new body will unify the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will unify seventeen different organisations and "cut through the problematic red tape and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a new app, which will allow passengers to check train times and book tickets without additional fees.

Disabled travellers will also be able to use the app to book assistance.

Several operators had already been taken into public control under the former government, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public hands, covering about a third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"This isn't just a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the frustrations of the past and dedicated completely on delivering a reliable service for the public."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving services.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful changeover to the new system," a representative noted.