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The government has introduced the logo and livery for the new national rail body, constituting a major move in its plans to take the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Emblem

The updated design showcases a red, white and blue palette to echo the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the logo is the distinctive twin-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Implementation Plan

The rollout of the design, which was developed in-house, is set to take place in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin seeing the newly-branded trains on the national network from next spring.

Throughout December, the visuals will be showcased at key railway stations, such as Glasgow Central.

A Path to Nationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, operating for the public, not for profit."

The new body will consolidate the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will combine 17 different organisations and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a new app, which will let passengers to view train times and book tickets without booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be have the option to use the app to book assistance.

A number of train companies had already been taken into public control under the former administration, including Northern.

There are currently seven train operators now in public hands, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more expected to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Response

"This is not simply a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and dedicated completely on delivering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to support a seamless handover to GBR," a senior figure said.