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The Transport Department has unveiled the visual identity for GBR, constituting a key advance in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An National Colour Scheme and Iconic Logo

The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the national flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the logo is the recognisable double-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and previously introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Strategy

The rollout of the new look, which was created internally, is expected to take place in phases.

Passengers are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried services on the UK rail network from spring next year.

In the month of December, the design will be exhibited at key railway stations, like Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the people, not for profit."

The new body will bring the running of train services and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will unify 17 separate bodies and "reduce the problematic bureaucracy and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive app, which will allow customers to see timetables and reserve journeys absent booking fees.

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

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

There are now 7 operating companies now in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

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

Official and Industry Comments

"The new design is not simply a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the previous system and concentrated solely on offering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Rail figures have welcomed the government's commitment to improving services.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a seamless transition to GBR," a representative noted.