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The government has disclosed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a major stride in its strategy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An National Design and Historic Symbol

The fresh design incorporates a red, white and blue colour scheme to echo the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the symbol is the iconic twin-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and first introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Implementation Strategy

The introduction of the new look, which was designed internally, is expected to occur gradually.

Commuters are expected to start seeing the freshly-liveried trains on the UK rail network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at prominent railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the House of Commons.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, delivering for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will bring the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has said it will combine seventeen separate entities and "reduce the frustrating administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also feature a comprehensive app, which will allow passengers to see schedules and reserve journeys without additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be have the option to use the application to request help.

A number of franchises had previously been taken into public control under the previous government, including LNER.

There are now seven operating companies now in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"The new design isn't just a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, leaving behind the issues of the past and concentrated completely on offering a genuine passenger-focused service."

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

"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," a representative noted.