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The government has revealed the logo and livery for GBR, representing a notable step in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.

A National Design and Familiar Symbol

The new branding features a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be used on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and first introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Plan

The implementation of the new look, which was designed internally, is scheduled to happen gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start spotting the freshly-liveried services on the national network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at key railway stations, including London Bridge.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the legislative process.

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

GBR will bring the running of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has claimed it will unify seventeen separate bodies and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable users to check timetables and reserve tickets absent booking fees.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to arrange support.

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in state ownership, covering about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and dedicated solely on providing a reliable public service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a successful changeover to GBR," a representative added.