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The UK government has revealed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a key stride in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

An National Palette and Historic Emblem

The new design showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to reflect the Union Flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the logo is the recognisable twin-arrow design currently used by the national rail network and previously designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The introduction of the design, which was created in-house, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Passengers are scheduled to begin spotting the newly-branded services across the network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at prominent railway stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the establishment of GBR, is presently progressing through the legislative process.

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, working for the people, not for corporate interests."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has said it will unify 17 separate entities and "eliminate the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a new mobile application, which will enable passengers to see timetables and purchase journeys without additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the application to arrange support.

A number of franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the previous administration, such as Northern.

There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the previous system and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service."

Rail representatives have responded positively to the focus to improving services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to support a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.