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The UK government has revealed the visual identity for GBR, constituting a major advance in its policy to bring the railways into public ownership.

An Patriotic Design and Iconic Symbol

The updated livery features a red, white and blue palette to echo the national flag and will be used on locomotives, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Notably, the logo is the recognisable double-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Rollout Timeline

The introduction of the new look, which was created internally, is scheduled to happen gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at major stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, operating for the people, not for profit."

The new body will bring the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has stated it will unify 17 separate bodies and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to see schedules and reserve journeys free from additional fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the app to arrange assistance.

Multiple franchises had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, including TPE.

There are now seven train operators now in public hands, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

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

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the frustrations of the previous system and focused entirely on offering a proper service for the public."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the pledge to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a smooth transition to the new system," a senior figure said.