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The administration has unveiled the branding for the new national rail body, marking a significant move in its strategy to take the railways under public control.

An National Palette and Iconic Emblem

The fresh design features a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to represent the UK flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the symbol is the recognisable twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and originally created in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The implementation of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to take place gradually.

Commuters are expected to start seeing the newly-branded trains throughout the network from the coming spring.

In December, the design will be displayed at prominent railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will allow the formation of GBR, is presently moving through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will unify seventeen different organisations and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also feature a dedicated app, which will let passengers to check schedules and purchase journeys absent additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

Multiple train companies had already been taken into public control under the former administration, including TPE.

There are now 7 train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"This is more than a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused entirely on offering a proper public service."

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

"The industry will carry on to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless handover to the new system," one executive said.