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The Transport Department has disclosed the visual identity for GBR, marking a notable step in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Palette and Familiar Emblem

The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the emblem is the recognisable double-arrow design historically used by National Rail and originally created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Rollout Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was designed in-house, is scheduled to take place in phases.

Travellers are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded trains throughout the national network from next spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at major stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly.

The Path to Public Ownership

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

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

The new body will consolidate the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has stated it will unify seventeen separate bodies and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a comprehensive app, which will let customers to view train times and book tickets absent surcharges.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the app to book help.

Multiple train companies had already been taken into public control under the previous government, such as Southeastern.

There are currently seven train operators already in state ownership, accounting for about a third of journeys.

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

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a transformed service, leaving behind the problems of the previous system and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to the new system," one executive added.