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The administration has introduced the visual identity for the new national rail body, constituting a key advance in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Iconic Logo

The updated livery features a Union Flag-inspired palette to represent the UK flag and will be used on locomotives, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow design presently used by National Rail and first created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Rollout Timeline

The rollout of the new look, which was designed in-house, is expected to occur over time.

Passengers are expected to start seeing the newly-branded trains across the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be displayed at major stations, such as Glasgow Central.

The Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the formation of GBR, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

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

The new body will bring the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify 17 various entities and "reduce the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive app, which will allow customers to check timetables and reserve journeys free from surcharges.

Disabled users will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

A number of operators had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are now 7 train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"This isn't just a paint job," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and focused entirely on offering a reliable public service."

Rail figures have welcomed the focus to improving services.

"We will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth handover to GBR," one executive noted.