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The government has unveiled the branding for Great British Railways, signifying a significant move in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Design and Historic Logo

The new design incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to echo the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow design presently used by the national rail network and first introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Strategy

The rollout of the branding, which was designed by the department, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Travellers are set to begin spotting the newly-branded services on the network from the coming spring.

Throughout December, the design will be displayed at key stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is presently progressing through the Parliament.

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

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

The government has claimed it will merge seventeen various organisations and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will enable users to view timetables and reserve journeys absent booking fees.

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

Several operators had already been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, such as TPE.

There are now 7 train operators already in state ownership, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design isn't just a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, leaving behind the problems of the past and dedicated completely on providing a reliable public service."

Industry leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," a representative noted.