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The government has introduced the branding for GBR, constituting a major step in its plans to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The new design uses a Union Flag-inspired palette to echo the national flag and will be rolled out on locomotives, at stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the emblem is the distinctive double-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and originally created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Introduction Timeline

The implementation of the branding, which was created internally, is set to take place gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded services throughout the network from the coming spring.

During the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at major stations, like London Bridge.

The Path to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will allow the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently progressing through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "owned by the passengers, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

GBR will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different entities and "eliminate the frustrating red tape and accountability gap that hinders the railways."

App-Based Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will allow passengers to view schedules and reserve tickets without additional fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be have the option to use the application to arrange assistance.

Several operators had already been nationalised under the previous government, including Southeastern.

There are now seven operating companies now in public control, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with further franchises likely to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," said the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, casting off the issues of the previous system and concentrated completely on providing a genuine service for the public."

Rail leaders have acknowledged the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to cooperate with all stakeholders to support a seamless changeover to Great British Railways," a senior figure said.