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The Transport Department has revealed the branding for GBR, constituting a key move in its policy to bring the railways into public ownership.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Logo

The new branding uses a patriotic colour scheme to reflect the UK flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow design presently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Implementation Plan

The implementation of the design, which was designed by the department, is set to happen in phases.

Travellers are set to start seeing the newly-branded trains throughout the UK rail network from next spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at major railway stations, such as Birmingham New Street.

A Path to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the House of Commons.

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

Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has stated it will unify seventeen different bodies and "reduce the notorious administrative hurdles and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a new mobile application, which will let customers to see timetables and purchase tickets absent booking fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

A number of train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as LNER.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public hands, covering about a one-third of journeys.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to follow in 2026.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, casting off the problems of the past and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper public service."

Rail representatives have responded positively to the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"We will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to support a successful transition to the new system," one executive added.