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The government has introduced the logo and livery for GBR, marking a major move in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Symbol

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

Notably, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and previously created in the 1960s for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The rollout of the design, which was created by the department, is expected to occur over time.

Travellers are set to begin spotting the freshly-liveried services on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at prominent railway stations, like Birmingham New Street.

A Journey to Nationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the creation of GBR, is presently moving through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the people, delivering for the people, not for corporate interests."

GBR will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will merge seventeen different organisations and "cut through the frustrating red tape and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will let users to see train times and reserve tickets absent additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the application to request assistance.

Several franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the previous government, including Northern.

There are currently seven train operators now in state ownership, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"This isn't just a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It represents "a fresh start, casting off the problems of the previous system and focused solely on providing a reliable service for the public."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a successful transition to GBR," a representative noted.