🔗 Share this article A Updated Identity for the UK's National Rail Body is Revealed. The UK government has disclosed the logo and livery for the new national rail body, marking a key move in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership. An Patriotic Palette and Iconic Logo The new livery uses a patriotic palette to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its online presence. Interestingly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and originally designed in the 1960s for the former state operator. The distinctive twin-arrow symbol was originally used by the state-owned British Rail. A Implementation Timeline The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to happen over time. Passengers are expected to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services across the UK rail network from next spring. During the month of December, the branding will be displayed at key railway stations, including Birmingham New Street. The Journey to Public Ownership The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament. The government has stated it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for profit." GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body. The department has stated it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "eliminate the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways." Digital Features and Existing Public Control The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will enable users to see schedules and book tickets without additional fees. Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book support. A mock up of how the Great British Railways application could look. Several operators had previously been nationalised under the former government, including Southeastern. There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, accounting for about a third of journeys. In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to follow in 2026. Ministerial and Industry Reaction "The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the previous system and concentrated entirely on offering a genuine public service." Rail figures have acknowledged the focus to enhancing the passenger experience. "We will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system," a representative noted.