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The government has revealed the branding for the new national rail body, signifying a major move in its agenda to bring the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Historic Logo

The updated livery uses a Union Flag-inspired palette to represent the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Rollout Timeline

The rollout of the new look, which was created by the department, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the design will be showcased at key railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

A Path to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the establishment of GBR, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "owned by the public, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

The new body will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has claimed it will unify seventeen separate entities and "cut through the problematic red tape and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will let passengers to see schedules and purchase tickets absent booking fees.

Disabled passengers will also be have the option to use the app to book help.

Several train companies had already been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including LNER.

There are now seven operating companies now in state ownership, covering about a third of passenger trips.

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

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the problems of the previous system and dedicated completely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition to Great British Railways," one executive noted.