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The Transport Department has presented the branding for the new national rail body, signifying a significant advance in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Familiar Logo

The new branding incorporates a Union Flag-inspired design to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and originally created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The introduction of the new look, which was designed internally, is expected to happen over time.

Passengers are expected to start spotting the newly-branded trains across the national network from the coming spring.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be displayed at key railway stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

The new body will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will combine 17 various bodies and "reduce the notorious red tape and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also include a new app, which will allow users to check train times and reserve tickets without surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be able to use the application to book assistance.

A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the previous government, including Southeastern.

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

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to be added in 2026.

Ministerial and Sector Response

"This is more than a paint job," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the past and concentrated solely on offering a proper service for the public."

Rail leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth changeover to the new system," a senior figure added.