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The UK government has disclosed the logo and livery for Great British Railways, constituting a significant advance in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Design and Historic Emblem

The fresh livery uses a red, white and blue palette to reflect the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow symbol currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Strategy

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

Travellers are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, including Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will enable the creation of GBR, is currently progressing through the House of Commons.

The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

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

The government has stated it will merge 17 separate organisations and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will let users to check train times and purchase journeys free from surcharges.

Disabled users will also be able to use the application to book help.

A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, including TPE.

There are now 7 train operators already in public control, accounting for about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to be added in 2026.

Official and Industry Response

"This is more than a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a new railway, shedding the problems of the past and concentrated solely on delivering a reliable public service."

Industry leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to improving services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with all stakeholders to support a smooth changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure added.