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The UK government has disclosed the visual identity for the new national rail body, marking a significant move in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.

A National Palette and Familiar Logo

The fresh design incorporates a patriotic palette to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Introduction Plan

The implementation of the design, which was developed in-house, is set to happen gradually.

Passengers are expected to begin spotting the newly-branded services on the network from the coming spring.

In December, the design will be displayed at prominent stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the public, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will combine seventeen separate entities and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will let users to view train times and purchase tickets without surcharges.

Disabled passengers will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

A number of operators had previously been nationalised under the former government, such as LNER.

There are currently seven operating companies now in state ownership, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and focused solely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to bettering services.

"We will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to support a smooth transition to the new system," one executive said.