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The Transport Department has introduced the branding for the new national rail body, marking a notable move in its plans to take the railways under public control.

An National Design and Historic Symbol

The new livery showcases a red, white and blue palette to represent the national flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and first created in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The introduction of the branding, which was developed internally, is set to take place in phases.

Travellers are expected to start seeing the newly-branded services on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at key stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow 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 passengers, operating for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will bring the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has said it will combine 17 separate entities and "eliminate the problematic red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a new app, which will let passengers to see schedules and purchase tickets absent booking fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the app to book support.

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, such as Northern.

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

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with more expected to be added in 2026.

Official and Industry Comments

"This is not simply a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the problems of the previous system and dedicated entirely on providing a reliable public service."

Rail figures have welcomed the pledge to improving services.

"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to ensure a successful transition to GBR," a senior figure noted.