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The UK government has presented the branding for the new national rail body, marking a major step in its plans to bring the railways under public control.

A National Design and Historic Emblem

The new livery features a red, white and blue design to echo the UK flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

The implementation of the new look, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to take place over time.

Travellers are scheduled to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services throughout the network from spring next year.

Throughout December, the design will be showcased at major stations, including Birmingham New Street.

A Path to Renationalisation

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

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, operating for the public, not for corporate interests."

The new body will bring the running of train services and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate organisations and "eliminate the frustrating red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will enable customers to see schedules and book journeys without additional fees.

Disabled passengers will also be have the option to use the application to arrange support.

A number of franchises had previously been nationalised under the outgoing administration, such as Southeastern.

There are now 7 train operators already in state ownership, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"The new design is more than a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the past and focused entirely on providing a genuine passenger-focused service."

Industry leaders have responded positively to the pledge to enhancing services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," a representative added.