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The UK government has disclosed the visual identity for Great British Railways, signifying a notable step in its strategy to take the railways back into state hands.

A National Colour Scheme and Historic Symbol

The updated branding uses a Union Flag-inspired design to represent the Union Flag and will be used on locomotives, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow design presently used by the national rail network and originally created in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Timeline

The implementation of the new look, which was created internally, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Commuters are expected to start noticing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the UK rail network from next spring.

In December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, like London Bridge.

A Path to Nationalisation

The legislation, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the Parliament.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, operating for the public, not for profit."

GBR will unify the running of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has stated it will merge seventeen different bodies and "cut through the problematic red tape and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive app, which will allow passengers to check timetables and reserve journeys without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be able to use the application to request help.

Multiple franchises had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, including LNER.

There are currently 7 train operators already in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated solely on providing a reliable passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a successful transition to GBR," a senior figure noted.