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The government has presented the logo and livery for the new national rail body, constituting a significant advance in its agenda to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Logo

The fresh branding features a red, white and blue colour scheme to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and first created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Rollout Strategy

The phased introduction of the branding, which was created in-house, is expected to take place gradually.

Commuters are set to start seeing the newly-branded services throughout the national network from next spring.

During December, the design will be showcased at major railway stations, including Leeds City.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is renationalising the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, working for the public, not for corporate interests."

The new body will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different entities and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of GBR will also feature a dedicated app, which will let customers to view train times and reserve tickets without surcharges.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to request help.

Several franchises had already been nationalised under the former administration, such as Southeastern.

There are currently seven train operators now in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"The new design is not simply a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the previous system and dedicated completely on providing a proper service for the public."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the focus to bettering services.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to ensure a successful handover to the new system," a representative said.