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The UK government has introduced the branding for GBR, signifying a major stride in its strategy to bring the railways into public ownership.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Symbol

The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to echo the Union Flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow design presently used by the national rail network and originally created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Timeline

The introduction of the new look, which was created in-house, is set to happen gradually.

Commuters are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded services across the network from spring next year.

During December, the design will be showcased at key railway stations, including Manchester Piccadilly.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, operating for the public, not for corporate interests."

The new body will unify the operation of train services and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will unify seventeen separate entities and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The launch of GBR will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will allow customers to see timetables and reserve journeys absent booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the application to arrange support.

Multiple operators had already been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as LNER.

There are currently 7 operating companies already in public control, representing about a third of passenger trips.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Comments

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a new railway, shedding the problems of the past and concentrated completely on providing a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail representatives have welcomed the government's commitment to bettering services.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate a seamless transition to the new system," a senior figure said.