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The UK government has disclosed the logo and livery for GBR, signifying a key advance in its policy to bring the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Historic Symbol

The fresh design uses a red, white and blue design to reflect the UK flag and will be applied on locomotives, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the emblem is the recognisable double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Implementation Plan

The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed in-house, is set to happen gradually.

Commuters are expected to begin spotting the newly-branded trains throughout the UK rail network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the design will be displayed at major railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the Parliament.

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the people, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will unify 17 separate entities and "reduce the notorious bureaucracy and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will allow passengers to check timetables and book journeys without additional fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the application to book assistance.

Multiple train companies had previously been taken into public control under the previous government, such as Southeastern.

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

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in 2026.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated entirely on providing a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to ensure a seamless handover to Great British Railways," a representative said.