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The Transport Department has unveiled the logo and livery for Great British Railways, signifying a notable move in its strategy to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Design and Familiar Logo

The updated branding incorporates a patriotic design to echo the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow logo historically used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The introduction of the design, which was developed by the department, is set to take place in phases.

Travellers are set to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the network from spring next year.

In December, the design will be exhibited at key stations, including London Bridge.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the Parliament.

The administration has argued it is taking control of the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the public, not for private shareholders."

The new body will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will merge seventeen separate entities and "reduce the notorious bureaucracy and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will allow passengers to view schedules and purchase journeys without booking fees.

Disabled passengers will also be able to use the app to request assistance.

Several franchises had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as Southeastern.

There are now 7 train operators already in state ownership, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"This isn't just a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and dedicated solely on delivering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Industry leaders have welcomed the government's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.