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The Transport Department has unveiled the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a key step in its agenda to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Palette and Iconic Symbol

The fresh livery incorporates a patriotic design to echo the UK flag and will be used on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the emblem is the recognisable double-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and previously created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Implementation Timeline

The phased introduction of the new look, which was created by the department, is expected to happen in phases.

Commuters are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains across the network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the branding will be displayed at major railway stations, such as Leeds City.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will enable the formation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for profit."

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

The government has said it will combine seventeen various bodies and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a comprehensive app, which will allow users to see train times and purchase tickets absent additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book assistance.

Multiple train companies had already been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, such as LNER.

There are now 7 train operators now in public control, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises anticipated to be added in 2026.

Official and Sector Response

"The new design is more than a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, casting off the issues of the previous system and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

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

"We will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to facilitate a successful transition to the new system," a representative added.