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The Transport Department has introduced the logo and livery for GBR, signifying a significant step in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Design and Iconic Symbol

The new design features a red, white and blue design to echo the UK flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its online presence.

Significantly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow logo historically used by National Rail and first introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Timeline

The rollout of the branding, which was created in-house, is expected to occur in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains on the UK rail network from spring next year.

During December, the design will be displayed at key stations, including London Bridge.

A Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the formation of GBR, is currently moving through the Parliament.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will merge seventeen various bodies and "reduce the notorious red tape and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will let customers to see schedules and reserve tickets free from booking fees.

Accessibility users will also be have the option to use the app to arrange assistance.

Several operators had previously been taken into public control under the previous administration, including TPE.

There are now 7 train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a third of journeys.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"This is more than a new logo," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the problems of the previous system and dedicated entirely on delivering a genuine passenger-focused service."

Rail figures have acknowledged the focus to bettering services.

"We will continue to work closely with industry partners to support a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," one executive noted.