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The government has revealed the branding for Great British Railways, constituting a notable move in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Iconic Logo

The updated livery features a Union Flag-inspired design to represent the UK flag and will be used on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the symbol is the recognisable twin-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and previously designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Timeline

The implementation of the design, which was developed by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Passengers are set to start noticing the newly-branded services on the network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at major stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Path to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for profit."

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

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate entities and "cut through the notorious red tape and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will let passengers to check timetables and reserve journeys absent additional fees.

Disabled passengers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

Multiple franchises had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are now 7 train operators now in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and dedicated solely on providing a reliable public service."

Industry representatives have welcomed the government's commitment to bettering services.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to support a seamless handover to Great British Railways," a senior figure noted.