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The UK government has unveiled the logo and livery for GBR, representing a notable stride in its agenda to take the railways back into state hands.

A National Design and Iconic Logo

The new livery showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to reflect the national flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Significantly, the logo is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Plan

The rollout of the branding, which was developed internally, is expected to take place gradually.

Travellers are set to begin spotting the newly-branded trains throughout the network from next spring.

Throughout December, the branding will be exhibited at prominent railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the establishment of GBR, is currently making its way through the Parliament.

The administration has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

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

The government has said it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The introduction of GBR will also involve a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow customers to see train times and book journeys absent additional fees.

Disabled travellers will also be have the option to use the application to book support.

Several franchises had previously been nationalised under the former administration, such as Southeastern.

There are currently 7 train operators already in public control, representing about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with further franchises anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"The new design is not simply a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a fresh start, leaving behind the frustrations of the past and dedicated entirely on offering a reliable service for the public."

Rail figures have welcomed the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful transition to GBR," a representative noted.