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The Transport Department has unveiled the branding for the new national rail body, marking a key advance in its plans to bring the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Design and Iconic Logo

The updated branding showcases a red, white and blue colour scheme to echo the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and first created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Introduction Timeline

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

Travellers are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the network from spring next year.

In December, the visuals will be showcased at key stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Path to Renationalisation

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

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the people, working for the public, not for private shareholders."

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

The department has said it will merge seventeen separate organisations and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable customers to see schedules and reserve tickets without booking fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book assistance.

Several operators had earlier been taken into public control under the previous administration, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused solely on delivering a genuine service for the public."

Rail figures have welcomed the focus to improving services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to ensure a successful handover to the new system," a senior figure noted.