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The Transport Department has unveiled the logo and livery for GBR, representing a major advance in its strategy to take the railways under public control.

An National Palette and Iconic Symbol

The updated branding showcases a red, white and blue colour scheme to echo the national flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and previously created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

The implementation of the new look, which was designed by the department, is set to take place over time.

Passengers are set to begin spotting the newly-branded services on the UK rail network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the branding will be showcased at key railway stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will pave the way the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

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

Great British Railways will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has stated it will combine 17 different bodies and "reduce the problematic red tape and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive app, which will allow users to view schedules and book tickets free from surcharges.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to book assistance.

A number of franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the previous administration, such as Northern.

There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, covering about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design is more than a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused solely on delivering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the focus to improving services.

"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a successful transition to Great British Railways," one executive added.