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The Transport Department has introduced the branding for the new national rail body, representing a notable stride in its strategy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A National Design and Iconic Emblem

The fresh branding showcases a patriotic colour scheme to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Plan

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

Commuters are expected to begin noticing the newly-branded services throughout the national network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at prominent stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

The new body will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will combine 17 various entities and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of GBR will also include a new mobile application, which will let customers to view timetables and book tickets without additional fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be able to use the app to book help.

A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the former administration, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies already in public hands, representing about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Comments

"This is more than a new logo," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the issues of the previous system and dedicated entirely on offering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless handover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.