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The UK government has revealed the branding for the new national rail body, constituting a major step in its agenda to take the railways under public control.

A National Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem

The fresh livery incorporates a red, white and blue palette to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the emblem is the well-known twin-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and first designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Rollout Strategy

The rollout of the design, which was designed by the department, is expected to happen over time.

Travellers are scheduled to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the national network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the visuals will be showcased at major stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the creation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

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

Great British Railways will bring the running of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has claimed it will merge seventeen separate organisations and "reduce the notorious red tape and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive app, which will allow users to check schedules and book journeys free from additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to request help.

A number of operators had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including Northern.

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

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"The new design isn't just a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the issues of the past and dedicated solely on offering a proper service for the public."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful transition to GBR," a representative added.