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The UK government has disclosed the visual identity for the new national rail body, marking a notable step in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Design and Iconic Logo

The fresh livery features a Union Flag-inspired palette to mirror the UK flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and originally designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

The introduction of the branding, which was developed internally, is set to take place gradually.

Commuters are set to begin noticing the freshly-liveried services throughout the UK rail network from spring next year.

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

A Journey to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The government has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "owned by the public, operating for the public, not for private shareholders."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will merge seventeen various bodies and "reduce the notorious bureaucracy and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also involve a dedicated app, which will allow customers to view train times and purchase journeys free from additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book help.

Multiple train companies had earlier been nationalised under the former government, including LNER.

There are now seven operating companies now in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is more than a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, leaving behind the problems of the past and concentrated solely on offering a reliable public service."

Rail representatives have responded positively to the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to GBR," a senior figure said.