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The UK government has introduced the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a key step in its policy to bring the railways under public control.

An Patriotic Palette and Historic Symbol

The new branding incorporates a patriotic design to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and first introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Implementation Plan

The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to occur gradually.

Commuters are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at major stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the public, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will combine 17 different organisations and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow customers to check train times and reserve tickets free from additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to arrange assistance.

A number of franchises had already been nationalised under the former administration, including TPE.

There are now seven train operators now in state ownership, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with more anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design isn't just a new logo," commented the relevant minister. It represents "a transformed service, shedding the frustrations of the past and concentrated solely on delivering a genuine public service."

Rail figures have acknowledged the pledge to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with industry partners to support a successful transition to GBR," a representative said.