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The Transport Department has introduced the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a key move in its plans to bring the railways into public ownership.

An Patriotic Colour Scheme and Iconic Emblem

The fresh design features a red, white and blue palette to represent the Union Flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its online presence.

Notably, the symbol is the well-known twin-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and first designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Introduction Plan

The rollout of the branding, which was developed by the department, is expected to happen in phases.

Passengers are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded services across the national network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the design will be showcased at key stations, including Glasgow Central.

The Path to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of GBR, is currently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the network is "run by the passengers, operating for the people, not for corporate interests."

GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will merge seventeen different bodies and "cut through the notorious bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Current Ownership

The launch of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will allow users to view timetables and reserve tickets free from additional fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book assistance.

Multiple operators had already been taken into public control under the outgoing administration, including Northern.

There are now seven train operators already in public control, covering about a one-third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Comments

"This isn't just a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It represents "a transformed service, leaving behind the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated completely on providing a genuine passenger-focused service."

Industry leaders have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to ensure a successful transition to GBR," a senior figure noted.