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The government has introduced the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a major step in its strategy to bring the railways under public control.

An Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The updated design showcases a patriotic colour scheme to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and previously created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Introduction Strategy

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

Passengers are expected to start seeing the newly-branded services on the network from the coming spring.

During December, the branding will be displayed at major railway stations, such as London Bridge.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the public, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

The new body will unify the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify 17 separate entities and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive app, which will allow passengers to check train times and book tickets without booking fees.

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

A number of operators had already been taken into public control under the previous government, including LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in state ownership, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to be added in 2026.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a paint job," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on providing a genuine service for the public."

Industry representatives have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful transition to GBR," a representative noted.