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The UK government has introduced the branding for the new national rail body, constituting a significant stride in its strategy to bring the railways back into state hands.

An National Colour Scheme and Historic Symbol

The updated livery uses a patriotic colour scheme to represent the UK flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and previously created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Rollout Plan

The introduction of the branding, which was created internally, is set to take place over time.

Commuters are scheduled to start seeing the freshly-liveried trains across the UK rail network from next spring.

In the month of December, the design will be displayed at major stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Path to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the Parliament.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the public, operating for the people, not for profit."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has said it will unify seventeen separate organisations and "reduce the notorious red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable users to see train times and purchase journeys without booking fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the application to request help.

A number of franchises had already been taken into public control under the previous administration, such as LNER.

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

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Response

"The new design isn't just a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the previous system and focused entirely on offering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering services.

"We will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to Great British Railways," one executive added.