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The Transport Department has unveiled the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a notable move in its policy to take the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Logo

The updated branding showcases a Union Flag-inspired palette to represent the UK flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the emblem is the recognisable double-arrow design presently used by National Rail and originally introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Timeline

The rollout of the design, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to take place gradually.

Travellers are expected to start seeing the freshly-liveried services across the UK rail network from next spring.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

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

Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different organisations and "eliminate the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow users to check timetables and purchase tickets absent surcharges.

Accessibility users will also be able to use the application to book support.

Multiple franchises had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, such as LNER.

There are currently 7 train operators now in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with more anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and focused entirely on delivering a genuine public service."

Industry representatives have welcomed the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," one executive said.