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The government has disclosed the branding for GBR, representing a key step in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Palette and Familiar Symbol

The new design features a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the new look, which was created by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Commuters are set to begin noticing the newly-branded services across the UK rail network from the coming spring.

Throughout December, the design will be showcased at major stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Path to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently moving through the legislative process.

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

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

The government has claimed it will unify 17 various organisations and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also feature a new app, which will let customers to view train times and purchase journeys without booking fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the app to request support.

Multiple train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 operating companies already in public hands, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, leaving behind the frustrations of the past and dedicated completely on delivering a proper public service."

Rail figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful transition to the new system," a senior figure said.