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

An Patriotic Design and Familiar Symbol

The updated design uses a patriotic design to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the logo is the recognisable double-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and originally introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Plan

The implementation of the new look, which was designed in-house, is set to occur in phases.

Commuters are expected to start seeing the freshly-liveried trains on the national network from the coming spring.

Throughout the month of December, the branding will be showcased at prominent railway stations, such as London Bridge.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will enable the creation of GBR, is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, operating for the people, not for profit."

The new body will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The department has stated it will combine 17 different organisations and "eliminate the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable customers to check train times and reserve journeys absent surcharges.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

A number of operators had already been nationalised under the previous government, such as Southeastern.

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

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in 2026.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a paint job," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, shedding the problems of the previous system and focused entirely on delivering a reliable public service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the focus to improving services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure noted.