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The Transport Department has revealed the visual identity for the new national rail body, constituting a key move in its policy to take the railways under nationalisation.

An National Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem

The updated branding incorporates a patriotic palette to represent the national flag and will be used on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Implementation Plan

The rollout of the design, which was developed by the department, is expected to happen in phases.

Passengers are scheduled to begin seeing the freshly-liveried trains throughout the national network from spring next year.

Throughout December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

A Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is renationalising the railways so the service is "owned by the public, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has said it will unify 17 separate entities and "cut through the frustrating administrative hurdles and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a new app, which will enable passengers to check train times and purchase journeys free from additional fees.

Disabled passengers will also be have the option to use the app to book support.

A number of franchises had already been nationalised under the former administration, such as Southeastern.

There are currently 7 train operators now in state ownership, representing about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the problems of the past and concentrated solely on providing a reliable public service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," a representative noted.