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The Transport Department has presented the branding for the new national rail body, constituting a significant step in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.

A National Design and Historic Emblem

The fresh design uses a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the national flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and previously created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the design, which was developed internally, is expected to happen in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the network from the coming spring.

During December, the visuals will be displayed at major railway stations, such as Leeds City.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, working for the public, not for profit."

The new body will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 separate entities and "reduce the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will enable users to check schedules and book tickets without surcharges.

Disabled users will also be able to use the app to request help.

A number of franchises had previously been nationalised under the outgoing administration, such as TPE.

There are now seven operating companies already in public hands, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the problems of the past and dedicated entirely on providing a reliable service for the public."

Industry leaders have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to facilitate a successful transition to GBR," a representative added.