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The UK government has disclosed the branding for the new national rail body, representing a notable move in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The updated livery uses a patriotic palette to mirror the UK flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the logo is the recognisable double-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The phased introduction of the new look, which was developed in-house, is expected to happen in phases.

Commuters are scheduled to start spotting the freshly-liveried services on the national network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key railway stations, including Leeds City.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

The government has argued it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the public, delivering for the people, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The department has claimed it will merge seventeen separate entities and "cut through the notorious bureaucracy and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a new app, which will let users to check timetables and purchase tickets without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the app to book help.

Multiple train companies had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as LNER.

There are currently seven operating companies now in public hands, covering about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"This is not simply a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated completely on delivering a genuine service for the public."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.