🔗 Share this article The New Branding for the UK's National Rail Body is Announced. The government has disclosed the branding for the new national rail body, marking a significant advance in its agenda to take the railways back into state hands. A Patriotic Palette and Historic Symbol The fresh design incorporates a red, white and blue colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app. Interestingly, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail. The famous twin-arrow logo was formerly used by the state-owned British Rail. A Implementation Plan The rollout of the new look, which was developed internally, is scheduled to happen in phases. Commuters are scheduled to start spotting the freshly-liveried services on the UK rail network from next spring. In the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at major stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly. A Path to Public Ownership The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the House of Commons. The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, operating for the people, not for private shareholders." Great British Railways will bring the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure. The department has said it will combine seventeen separate organisations and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways." Digital Features and Current Ownership The rollout of GBR will also feature a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow passengers to check train times and reserve tickets free from additional fees. Accessibility users will also be have the option to use the app to arrange support. A mock up of what the Great British Railways app could appear. Multiple operators had already been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including Southeastern. There are currently 7 train operators now in public hands, representing about a one-third of passenger trips. In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to be added in the coming years. Ministerial and Industry Response "This is more than a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused entirely on offering a genuine service for the public." Industry representatives have welcomed the pledge to improving the passenger experience. "The industry will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth handover to GBR," a senior figure noted.