🔗 Share this article A Updated Identity for Great British Railways is Announced. The Transport Department has unveiled the logo and livery for Great British Railways, marking a key step in its agenda to bring the railways under nationalisation. A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Emblem The fresh design showcases a Union Flag-inspired palette to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app. Interestingly, the logo is the iconic twin-arrow design presently used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator. The famous double-arrow emblem was formerly used by the state-owned British Rail. The Rollout Timeline The rollout of the new look, which was developed in-house, is set to take place gradually. Commuters are set to begin seeing the newly-branded services throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring. During the month of December, the design will be exhibited at major stations, like London Bridge. A Journey to Public Ownership The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently progressing through the Parliament. The administration has argued it is taking control of the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, operating for the public, not for private shareholders." The new body will bring the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body. The department has stated it will combine 17 various entities and "reduce the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that has long affected the railways." Digital Features and Current Public Control The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow customers to check train times and book tickets without booking fees. Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the application to arrange assistance. A mock up of how the GBR app might appear. Several operators had already been taken into public control under the former administration, including Southeastern. There are now 7 train operators already in public control, covering about a one-third of rail travel. In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to follow in the coming years. Ministerial and Industry Response "The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a reliable passenger-focused service." Rail leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. "The industry will carry on to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth changeover to GBR," a senior figure said.