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The government has revealed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, representing a key move in its strategy to take the railways under public control.

An National Palette and Iconic Symbol

The fresh branding uses a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo historically used by the national rail network and first designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The implementation of the branding, which was designed internally, is expected to happen gradually.

Commuters are expected to start spotting the newly-branded services across the UK rail network from next spring.

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

A Path to Renationalisation

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

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the people, not for profit."

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

The department has claimed it will unify seventeen separate entities and "reduce the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of GBR will also involve a new app, which will let customers to see schedules and reserve journeys free from booking fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book support.

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including LNER.

There are now seven operating companies now in public hands, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to follow in 2026.

Official and Sector Reaction

"This is more than a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, leaving behind the issues of the past and dedicated solely on providing a genuine public service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless transition to the new system," a senior figure added.