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The Transport Department has disclosed the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a notable move in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Historic Symbol

The fresh livery showcases a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the national flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the logo is the well-known double-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The phased introduction of the design, which was designed by the department, is expected to take place over time.

Passengers are scheduled to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services across the national network from next spring.

In December, the visuals will be displayed at key railway stations, including Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "owned by the people, delivering for the public, not for corporate interests."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The government has stated it will combine seventeen various bodies and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The introduction of GBR will also include a new app, which will let customers to check schedules and purchase journeys free from additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be able to use the application to request support.

Several train companies had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including LNER.

There are currently 7 train operators now in public control, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with more likely to follow in 2026.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, shedding the frustrations of the past and focused solely on delivering a reliable public service."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a smooth changeover to GBR," a representative said.