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The Transport Department has unveiled the logo and livery for GBR, representing a notable advance in its agenda to take the railways under nationalisation.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Familiar Symbol

The updated branding incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to echo the national flag and will be used on locomotives, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Notably, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow symbol currently used by the national rail network and originally created in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Implementation Timeline

The rollout of the design, which was designed by the department, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are set to start noticing the freshly-liveried services across the UK rail network from the coming spring.

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

A Path to Nationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the formation of GBR, is presently making its way through the Parliament.

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

Great British Railways will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has stated it will combine 17 different bodies and "reduce the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated app, which will enable passengers to view timetables and purchase tickets without booking fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the application to book support.

Several operators had previously been nationalised under the former government, such as LNER.

There are currently seven train operators already in public control, representing about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, shedding the issues of the past and focused entirely on offering a reliable passenger-focused service."

Rail figures have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to facilitate a smooth transition to GBR," a senior figure said.