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The Transport Department has revealed the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a notable move in its strategy to take the railways back into state hands.

A National Colour Scheme and Iconic Symbol

The updated design showcases a patriotic colour scheme to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the recognisable twin-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and first created in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Implementation Strategy

The implementation of the branding, which was designed by the department, is set to happen gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start spotting the newly-branded trains across the network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, such as London Bridge.

The Path to Public Ownership

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

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the people, operating for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will bring the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will merge 17 separate bodies and "reduce the frustrating red tape and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a new app, which will allow passengers to see train times and book journeys absent surcharges.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the app to request help.

Multiple train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the previous government, including LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in state ownership, representing about a third of passenger trips.

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

Official and Sector Response

"The new design is more than a paint job," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the previous system and concentrated entirely on offering a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail figures have responded positively to the focus to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with industry partners to ensure a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," one executive said.