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The Transport Department has unveiled the branding for the new national rail body, representing a major move in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

An National Design and Familiar Symbol

The updated design showcases a red, white and blue palette to echo the UK flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the logo is the recognisable double-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and first designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Timeline

The implementation of the new look, which was created in-house, is set to occur in phases.

Commuters are set to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services on the network from the coming spring.

During December, the design will be showcased at prominent railway stations, including London Bridge.

The Path to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the formation of GBR, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the public, operating for the public, not for profit."

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

The government has stated it will merge 17 different bodies and "eliminate the problematic red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive app, which will enable users to view train times and reserve journeys without additional fees.

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

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the former government, including TPE.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public control, representing about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"This isn't just a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the past and focused completely on offering a proper public service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth handover to the new system," a senior figure noted.