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The Transport Department has disclosed the logo and livery for GBR, constituting a notable step in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

A National Design and Iconic Emblem

The updated design uses a Union Flag-inspired palette to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the recognisable twin-arrow symbol presently used by the national rail network and originally designed in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Strategy

The introduction of the new look, which was created by the department, is set to happen in phases.

Travellers are scheduled to start noticing the newly-branded services on the UK rail network from next spring.

In the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at key stations, like Birmingham New Street.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will pave the way the formation of Great British Railways, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has said it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

GBR will unify the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The department has said it will unify seventeen different bodies and "eliminate the notorious bureaucracy and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Ownership

The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a new app, which will allow customers to check schedules and purchase journeys absent additional fees.

Accessibility users will also be have the option to use the application to arrange help.

Several franchises had earlier been nationalised under the outgoing government, such as TPE.

There are currently 7 operating companies now in public control, covering about a third of journeys.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and focused solely on offering a reliable public service."

Industry leaders have acknowledged the pledge to improving services.

"The industry will continue to work closely with industry partners to support a successful handover to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.