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The Transport Department has unveiled the visual identity for GBR, constituting a key advance in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.

An National Colour Scheme and Historic Symbol

The new livery showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the symbol is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and originally designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the new look, which was created internally, is set to take place in phases.

Travellers are scheduled to begin seeing the newly-branded services throughout the national network from next spring.

In December, the visuals will be showcased at key railway stations, including London Bridge.

The Path to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for profit."

GBR will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has said it will combine 17 different bodies and "eliminate the notorious red tape and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will enable users to check schedules and book journeys absent surcharges.

Disabled passengers will also be able to use the application to book assistance.

A number of train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, such as Northern.

There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, covering about a one-third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and focused completely on providing a genuine public service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a smooth transition to the new system," a representative said.