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The government has disclosed the branding for GBR, signifying a key step in its strategy to take the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Symbol

The new branding showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the logo is the well-known twin-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

A Implementation Timeline

The phased introduction of the design, which was created in-house, is set to happen in phases.

Travellers are expected to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services throughout the UK rail network from the coming spring.

During December, the visuals will be displayed at prominent stations, like Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the public, delivering for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will consolidate the running of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The government has claimed it will combine seventeen different bodies and "reduce the notorious bureaucracy and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Ownership

The launch of GBR will also involve a new mobile application, which will allow users to see timetables and purchase tickets free from surcharges.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the application to book assistance.

A number of franchises had previously been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including Northern.

There are currently seven operating companies already in public control, accounting for about a third of journeys.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"This isn't just a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, leaving behind the problems of the past and dedicated entirely on offering a genuine public service."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing services.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to ensure a successful handover to Great British Railways," a senior figure added.