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The Transport Department has revealed the branding for GBR, constituting a key advance in its strategy to bring the railways under nationalisation.

An National Palette and Familiar Logo

The fresh design showcases a red, white and blue design to mirror the Union Flag and will be rolled out on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the symbol is the recognisable double-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and first created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The phased introduction of the design, which was developed internally, is expected to occur in phases.

Travellers are expected to start noticing the newly-branded trains on the UK rail network from the coming spring.

In the month of December, the design will be showcased at major stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Public Ownership

The legislation, which will enable the formation of GBR, is presently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different organisations and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

Digital Services and Existing Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will allow users to view train times and book tickets without additional fees.

Disabled users will also be able to use the app to arrange help.

Several franchises had earlier been nationalised under the former government, such as LNER.

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

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to be added in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"This is more than a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, casting off the problems of the previous system and concentrated completely on offering a proper passenger-focused service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the government's commitment to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with relevant bodies to support a successful changeover to the new system," a representative said.