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The government has presented the logo and livery for Great British Railways, constituting a notable stride in its plans to take the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Palette and Historic Logo

The updated livery incorporates 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 online presence.

Notably, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow design currently used by National Rail and first created in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Rollout Plan

The phased introduction of the branding, which was designed internally, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Passengers are expected to start noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the national network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the branding will be displayed at key stations, such as London Bridge.

A Journey to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the formation of GBR, is currently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different bodies and "reduce the frustrating bureaucracy and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive app, which will enable passengers to view train times and book journeys absent surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to book support.

Multiple operators had already been taken into public control under the former administration, such as Southeastern.

There are currently 7 train operators already in state ownership, representing about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the previous system and focused entirely on providing a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the pledge to improving the passenger experience.

"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," a representative added.