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The UK government has revealed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a notable stride in its strategy to take the railways under public control.

An National Design and Historic Symbol

The updated branding showcases a red, white and blue design to represent the national flag and will be used on locomotives, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and previously created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Introduction Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was designed by the department, is set to happen gradually.

Commuters are set to begin spotting the freshly-liveried trains throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at prominent stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

GBR will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The department has claimed it will unify 17 separate organisations and "reduce the frustrating bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also involve a new mobile application, which will enable passengers to view timetables and reserve journeys absent additional fees.

Accessibility users will also be have the option to use the application to request support.

A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the former government, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in state ownership, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with more expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on offering a reliable service for the public."

Industry leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with all stakeholders to support a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.