The New Branding for the UK's National Rail Body is Unveiled.

The government has disclosed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, constituting a key stride in its policy to bring the railways under public control.

A National Design and Iconic Symbol

The fresh design incorporates a red, white and blue colour scheme to echo the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow design historically used by National Rail and first designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Rollout Strategy

The rollout of the design, which was developed by the department, is expected to occur over time.

Commuters are set to start spotting the newly-branded trains throughout the national network from next spring.

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

A Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will allow the formation of GBR, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders."

GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The government has stated it will merge 17 different entities and "cut through the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to check timetables and purchase tickets absent surcharges.

Disabled travellers will also be able to use the app to arrange help.

A number of franchises had previously been taken into public control under the former administration, including Northern.

There are now seven train operators now in public hands, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"The new design is more than a paint job," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and dedicated completely on offering a proper service for the public."

Industry leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to improving services.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition to GBR," one executive said.