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The Transport Department has presented the branding for GBR, marking a significant step in its strategy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An National Design and Familiar Symbol

The fresh branding showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Timeline

The implementation of the new look, which was created in-house, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are scheduled to begin seeing the freshly-liveried trains on the network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at prominent railway stations, including London Bridge.

The Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the people, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

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

The government has stated it will unify 17 separate bodies and "cut through the notorious red tape and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a dedicated app, which will let passengers to see schedules and book journeys without additional fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

Multiple franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, including LNER.

There are now seven operating companies already in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more likely to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"This is more than a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the past and dedicated entirely on offering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"We will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth handover to the new system," one executive noted.