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The UK government has disclosed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a major move in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

A National Palette and Historic Logo

The fresh livery uses a patriotic design to mirror the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

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

A Implementation Plan

The implementation of the new look, which was designed in-house, is scheduled to occur gradually.

Commuters are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded trains on the network from spring next year.

Throughout December, the branding will be exhibited at key stations, such as Glasgow Central.

A Path to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

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 private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will combine seventeen different entities and "reduce the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Ownership

The launch of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable users to see timetables and purchase tickets without additional fees.

Disabled passengers will also be have the option to use the application to arrange assistance.

Multiple franchises had already been nationalised under the previous government, including Southeastern.

There are currently 7 train operators now in public control, representing about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"This isn't just a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to bettering services.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a successful handover to Great British Railways," a representative said.