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The government has presented the visual identity for the new national rail body, marking a notable step in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Design and Iconic Symbol

The updated design features a patriotic colour scheme to echo the UK flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the logo is the distinctive twin-arrow design presently used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Introduction Plan

The implementation of the new look, which was created internally, is set to take place in phases.

Commuters are set to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the network from spring next year.

Throughout December, the visuals will be exhibited at major railway stations, such as Leeds City.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the legislative process.

The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the people, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

The new body will bring the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has stated it will merge seventeen different entities and "cut through the notorious bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable customers to see timetables and reserve journeys without additional fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the app to request support.

Multiple train companies had already been taken into public control under the former administration, such as LNER.

There are now seven train operators now in public control, covering about a third of journeys.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with more anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design is not simply a paint job," said the relevant minister. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated completely on providing a genuine passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing services.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a seamless transition to GBR," a senior figure noted.