🔗 Share this article The New Branding for Great British Railways is Announced. The Transport Department has presented the visual identity for the new national rail body, constituting a major move in its plans to take the railways under public control. A National Colour Scheme and Historic Emblem The updated branding uses a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the UK flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms. Significantly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for British Rail. The distinctive double-arrow symbol was originally used by British Rail. The Rollout Strategy The phased introduction of the design, which was developed by the department, is set to take place over time. Passengers are set to start noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the network from next spring. During the month of December, the visuals will be showcased at prominent stations, like Glasgow Central. The Journey to Public Ownership The legislation, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the Parliament. The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the people, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders." The new body will unify the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation. The department has stated it will unify seventeen different bodies and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that has long affected the railways." Digital Services and Existing Public Control The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a new app, which will allow users to see timetables and book journeys free from additional fees. Disabled passengers will also be able to use the application to arrange support. A concept of what the GBR app might appear. Multiple franchises had already been taken into public control under the former administration, such as LNER. There are now 7 train operators now in public hands, representing about a one-third of passenger trips. In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more expected to follow in 2026. Official and Industry Reaction "This isn't just a paint job," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the past and focused completely on offering a proper passenger-focused service." Rail representatives have welcomed the focus to improving services. "The industry will carry on to work closely with all stakeholders to support a successful changeover to Great British Railways," a representative added.