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The administration has unveiled the branding for Great British Railways, marking a key step in its plans to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Symbol

The fresh design uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by the national rail network and first designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The introduction of the design, which was created internally, is expected to occur gradually.

Travellers are expected to start noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at prominent railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Path to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, delivering for the public, not for corporate interests."

GBR will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify seventeen various bodies and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will let users to see train times and book tickets without additional fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the application to arrange help.

A number of train companies had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, including Northern.

There are currently 7 operating companies now in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of journeys.

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

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"This is more than a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated solely on providing a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth changeover to the new system," a representative said.