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The UK government has revealed the logo and livery for GBR, marking a major move in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership.

A National Palette and Historic Emblem

The new design showcases a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the symbol is the iconic twin-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and originally designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The introduction of the new look, which was developed in-house, is scheduled to occur over time.

Travellers are set to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the national network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

A Path to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently 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 "run by the passengers, delivering for the passengers, not for profit."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The department has said it will merge seventeen different entities and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also include a new mobile application, which will enable customers to check train times and reserve journeys free from booking fees.

Accessibility users will also be have the option to use the application to book help.

Multiple operators had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, such as TPE.

There are now seven train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Response

"This is more than a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, shedding the frustrations of the past and concentrated entirely on providing a reliable public service."

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

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