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The Transport Department has revealed the visual identity for Great British Railways, signifying a key advance in its agenda to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Palette and Historic Emblem

The fresh livery showcases a red, white and blue palette to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

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

A Introduction Strategy

The introduction of the branding, which was developed internally, is set to take place over time.

Commuters are scheduled to begin spotting the newly-branded trains across the national network from the coming spring.

During December, the design will be displayed at key railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will enable the formation of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the Parliament.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will bring the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify seventeen various organisations and "reduce the notorious red tape and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to view train times and purchase journeys free from additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be able to use the application to arrange help.

Multiple train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the previous government, including Northern.

There are now 7 operating companies now in state ownership, covering about a third of journeys.

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

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated entirely on delivering a reliable service for the public."

Rail figures have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless changeover to GBR," a senior figure noted.