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The government has revealed the branding for Great British Railways, marking a significant move in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

An National Design and Iconic Logo

The fresh livery uses a patriotic design to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Implementation Plan

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

Commuters are set to begin noticing the newly-branded trains on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key stations, including Glasgow Central.

A Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

The administration has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the public, operating for the passengers, not for profit."

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

The government has stated it will unify 17 various organisations and "eliminate the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The launch of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will enable customers to see schedules and purchase tickets free from surcharges.

Accessibility users will also be able to use the app to arrange help.

A number of operators had already been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including LNER.

There are now seven train operators now in public control, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"This isn't just a new logo," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the previous system and dedicated entirely on offering a reliable public service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless changeover to GBR," a senior figure noted.