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The UK government has introduced the visual identity for the new national rail body, constituting a key move in its agenda to bring the railways into public ownership.

An Patriotic Palette and Familiar Logo

The new design uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the emblem is the well-known twin-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was designed by the department, is expected to happen over time.

Commuters are scheduled to start spotting the newly-branded trains on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key stations, including Birmingham New Street.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will enable the formation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

The government has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the public, operating for the passengers, not for profit."

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

The government has said it will merge 17 various organisations and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable passengers to check schedules and book journeys absent surcharges.

Accessibility users will also be able to use the application to request support.

A number of operators had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, such as Southeastern.

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

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

Official and Industry Comments

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and concentrated completely on offering a reliable public service."

Rail representatives have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving services.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with industry partners to support a seamless changeover to the new system," a representative added.