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The UK government has revealed the logo and livery for Great British Railways, signifying a notable advance in its policy to take the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Design and Iconic Logo

The new livery showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to reflect the UK flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Rollout Timeline

The introduction of the design, which was designed internally, is set to take place gradually.

Passengers are scheduled to begin noticing the newly-branded services throughout the national network from the coming spring.

During December, the branding will be exhibited at prominent stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Nationalisation

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

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for corporate interests."

GBR will unify the running of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will unify seventeen separate entities and "reduce the problematic red tape and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will allow passengers to check timetables and reserve journeys free from additional fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be able to use the app to book help.

A number of operators had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including LNER.

There are currently 7 operating companies already in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with more expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"The new design is not simply a new logo," commented the relevant minister. It represents "a transformed service, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused solely on providing a proper public service."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to enhancing services.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," one executive added.