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

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Logo

The updated livery uses a red, white and blue design to reflect the UK flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the emblem is the distinctive twin-arrow design presently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Rollout Timeline

The phased introduction of the design, which was designed internally, is scheduled to occur gradually.

Commuters are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded services on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the public, working for the public, not for profit."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of train services and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The department has stated it will combine seventeen various bodies and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will let customers to view timetables and reserve tickets without surcharges.

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

A number of operators had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, including Southeastern.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public hands, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"The new design is not simply a paint job," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, casting off the problems of the past and focused entirely on providing a reliable passenger-focused service."

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

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to ensure a seamless transition to GBR," a senior figure added.