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The Transport Department has disclosed the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a key step in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Logo

The new livery features a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the iconic twin-arrow design currently used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Implementation Strategy

The implementation of the design, which was developed in-house, is expected to happen over time.

Passengers are scheduled to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services across the network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, including Birmingham New Street.

A Path to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the formation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the network is "run by the public, operating for the public, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will bring the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will unify seventeen different entities and "reduce the frustrating bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will let customers to check timetables and book journeys without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the app to book support.

Several operators had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing government, including Southeastern.

There are currently seven operating companies already in public hands, representing about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design isn't just a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the frustrations of the past and dedicated solely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Rail figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to support a seamless handover to GBR," a senior figure noted.