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The government has presented the visual identity for GBR, constituting a key step in its policy to bring the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The new livery incorporates a red, white and blue colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be applied on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and first introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Rollout Timeline

The implementation of the branding, which was created by the department, is set to occur over time.

Travellers are scheduled to begin noticing the freshly-liveried services throughout the UK rail network from next spring.

Throughout December, the visuals will be showcased at major railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is presently moving through the Parliament.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for profit."

GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will unify seventeen various entities and "eliminate the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will allow customers to see timetables and purchase tickets free from additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be have the option to use the app to book assistance.

Several franchises had already been nationalised under the outgoing government, including TPE.

There are now 7 train operators already in state ownership, covering about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is not simply a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and dedicated completely on providing a genuine public service."

Industry figures have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a smooth transition to GBR," a senior figure added.