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The government has unveiled the visual identity for Great British Railways, constituting a notable step in its plans to take the railways into public ownership.

A National Palette and Iconic Symbol

The new design showcases a Union Flag-inspired palette to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow design historically used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The rollout of the branding, which was created by the department, is set to happen in phases.

Travellers are expected to start noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the network from spring next year.

During the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at major stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

The administration has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the public, operating for the public, not for corporate interests."

GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will unify 17 separate organisations and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also feature a comprehensive app, which will let users to check schedules and book journeys absent additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the application to request support.

A number of train companies had already been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including Northern.

There are currently seven operating companies already in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of journeys.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"This isn't just a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the frustrations of the past and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the pledge to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to support a smooth changeover to GBR," a representative said.