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The Transport Department has introduced the logo and livery for the new national rail body, constituting a significant advance in its policy to bring the railways under public control.

An Patriotic Design and Familiar Logo

The updated livery incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and originally created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Introduction Strategy

The rollout of the branding, which was developed by the department, is set to happen over time.

Passengers are expected to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains on the national network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at prominent stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the Parliament.

The administration has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate organisations and "cut through the notorious bureaucracy and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The rollout of GBR will also involve a new app, which will enable passengers to check train times and reserve tickets absent booking fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be have the option to use the application to request assistance.

A number of franchises had previously been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 train operators already in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"This is not simply a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the previous system and focused completely on delivering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the focus to enhancing the passenger experience.

"We will continue to cooperate with industry partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new system," one executive said.