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The Transport Department has disclosed the visual identity for Great British Railways, signifying a major stride in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.

An National Palette and Familiar Symbol

The updated branding incorporates a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Timeline

The rollout of the new look, which was designed in-house, is set to take place gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded services across the network from the coming spring.

In December, the branding will be showcased at key stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

The new body will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will merge seventeen various bodies and "cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a new mobile application, which will allow customers to check schedules and book tickets without surcharges.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the application to book help.

Several operators had already been taken into public control under the previous administration, including Southeastern.

There are now seven train operators already in public hands, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"This is not simply a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated solely on offering a genuine public service."

Industry leaders have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless transition to Great British Railways," one executive noted.