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The UK government has presented the branding for GBR, marking a major advance in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

A National Palette and Iconic Symbol

The fresh livery incorporates a red, white and blue design to represent the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and originally designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Strategy

The implementation of the branding, which was designed by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Travellers are scheduled to begin spotting the newly-branded services throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In December, the design will be exhibited at major stations, such as Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will allow the establishment of GBR, 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 system is "run by the passengers, operating for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will merge 17 different organisations and "reduce the frustrating administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive app, which will enable customers to see schedules and reserve journeys absent additional fees.

Disabled passengers will also be able to use the application to request assistance.

Multiple operators had earlier been nationalised under the former government, such as Southeastern.

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

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a paint job," commented the relevant minister. It signifies "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the past and focused entirely on providing a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry leaders have responded positively to the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to support a smooth handover to GBR," one executive added.