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The Transport Department has disclosed the visual identity for GBR, constituting a major step in its plans to take the railways back into state hands.

A National Colour Scheme and Historic Logo

The updated livery features a red, white and blue design to echo the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the emblem is the distinctive twin-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Timeline

The phased introduction of the branding, which was developed in-house, is set to occur gradually.

Commuters are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the UK rail network from next spring.

During the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at major stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Path to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will allow the creation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the people, working for the public, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has stated it will unify 17 different bodies and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also involve a comprehensive app, which will let users to check schedules and reserve tickets without additional fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the application to book assistance.

Several franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including Southeastern.

There are currently seven train operators already in state ownership, covering about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Reaction

"The new design is more than a paint job," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the previous system and concentrated entirely on offering a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a successful changeover to GBR," one executive added.