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The Transport Department has introduced the logo and livery for GBR, constituting a major stride in its policy to take the railways under public control.

An National Palette and Historic Emblem

The new branding showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Implementation Strategy

The phased introduction of the design, which was developed internally, is set to occur gradually.

Commuters are set to start seeing the newly-branded trains across the UK rail network from next spring.

Throughout December, the visuals will be displayed at major stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

The new body will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will unify 17 separate bodies and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The launch of GBR will also feature a comprehensive mobile application, which will let passengers to check timetables and reserve journeys free from surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be able to use the app to request assistance.

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

There are currently 7 operating companies already in public control, covering about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design isn't just a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, casting off the issues of the previous system and focused solely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Rail figures have welcomed the government's commitment to bettering services.

"We will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to GBR," a senior figure said.