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The UK government has unveiled the visual identity for Great British Railways, marking a major stride in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.

An Patriotic Design and Iconic Emblem

The fresh branding features a Union Flag-inspired design to represent the Union Flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and first created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the branding, which was developed internally, is set to occur in phases.

Commuters are expected to start noticing the newly-branded services on the national network from spring next year.

During the month of December, the branding will be displayed at major railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Journey to Public Ownership

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

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the people, delivering for the public, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has stated it will combine 17 different bodies and "eliminate the frustrating red tape and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a new mobile application, which will let customers to check timetables and book tickets free from booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the application to request help.

Several franchises had earlier been nationalised under the former administration, including TPE.

There are now seven train operators already in public hands, representing about a third of passenger trips.

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

Official and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, casting off the issues of the previous system and concentrated entirely on providing a proper public service."

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

"The industry will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a successful handover to GBR," a representative noted.