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The UK government has unveiled the branding for Great British Railways, constituting a significant move in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Symbol

The updated livery uses a patriotic design to represent the UK flag and will be used on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the logo is the iconic double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and previously created in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Rollout Plan

The introduction of the design, which was designed by the department, is expected to occur gradually.

Passengers are expected to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the national network from next spring.

During December, the design will be displayed at prominent railway stations, including London Bridge.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will allow the formation of GBR, is currently progressing through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for profit."

GBR will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will combine seventeen different entities and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a dedicated app, which will enable customers to view timetables and purchase journeys free from booking fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the app to request support.

A number of operators had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including Southeastern.

There are currently 7 train operators already in state ownership, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in 2026.

Official and Sector Response

"This is more than a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the problems of the previous system and focused solely on offering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a successful changeover to the new system," a senior figure said.