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The government has unveiled the visual identity for GBR, signifying a significant step in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A National Palette and Familiar Symbol

The updated branding uses a patriotic palette to reflect the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously created in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Plan

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

Passengers are expected to begin seeing the newly-branded services across the national network from next spring.

Throughout December, the branding will be displayed at key railway stations, like Leeds City.

The Path to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently progressing through the Parliament.

The government has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, working for the people, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will combine seventeen separate bodies and "eliminate the notorious bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will let users to check schedules and reserve journeys free from booking fees.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

A number of operators had previously been nationalised under the outgoing administration, including Northern.

There are currently 7 operating companies already in state ownership, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with more likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the past and dedicated entirely on delivering a proper public service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the focus to enhancing services.

"We will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to facilitate a successful transition to Great British Railways," a representative noted.