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The UK government has presented the logo and livery for Great British Railways, representing a major stride in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Design and Historic Logo

The updated design features a patriotic colour scheme to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and originally created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

The rollout of the branding, which was created by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Passengers are scheduled to begin noticing the newly-branded trains across the UK rail network from spring next year.

In December, the branding will be displayed at major stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the formation of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.

The government has stated 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 tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The department has claimed it will combine seventeen separate entities and "reduce the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will let customers to view schedules and purchase journeys without booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to arrange assistance.

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the former government, such as Northern.

There are now 7 operating companies already in public hands, covering about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Response

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

Industry leaders have acknowledged the pledge to bettering services.

"We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to support a seamless changeover to the new system," a representative said.