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The government has unveiled the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a significant move in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.

A Patriotic Design and Iconic Emblem

The updated design uses a patriotic design to represent the national flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The introduction of the new look, which was developed by the department, is expected to occur over time.

Commuters are set to begin seeing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the network from spring next year.

In December, the design will be showcased at prominent railway stations, including London Bridge.

A Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will unify the running of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a new mobile application, which will let passengers to see timetables and purchase tickets free from booking fees.

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

A number of train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, including LNER.

There are now 7 train operators already in public hands, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Response

"This is not simply a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and concentrated entirely on delivering a genuine public service."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless handover to GBR," one executive added.