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The government has introduced the logo and livery for the new national rail body, constituting a notable step in its strategy to take the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Symbol

The new design incorporates a red, white and blue design to represent the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the logo is the iconic double-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and first designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Timeline

The phased introduction of the branding, which was designed by the department, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are set to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services across the national network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at key stations, like Leeds City.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the creation of GBR, is presently moving through the Parliament.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the people, working for the public, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will unify the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has stated it will unify seventeen separate entities and "eliminate the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will let passengers to view schedules and purchase tickets free from additional fees.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the application to book help.

Multiple franchises had already been taken into public control under the former government, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 operating companies now in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"This isn't just a new logo," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the issues of the past and focused entirely on delivering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new system," a senior figure added.