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The government has introduced the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a significant step in its agenda to bring the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Palette and Iconic Logo

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

Interestingly, the emblem is the iconic double-arrow logo currently used by National Rail and originally introduced in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Implementation Plan

The rollout of the new look, which was developed by the department, is expected to take place in phases.

Passengers are expected to start seeing the newly-branded services on the network from the coming spring.

In December, the branding will be exhibited at major railway stations, like Leeds City.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The proposed law, which will enable the creation of Great British Railways, is presently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

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

Digital Services and Current Public Control

The rollout of Great British Railways will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will let passengers to view timetables and book tickets without booking fees.

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

Multiple operators had previously been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as LNER.

There are now seven train operators now in public hands, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

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

Official and Industry Comments

"This isn't just a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the past and dedicated entirely on offering a proper public service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the pledge to enhancing services.

"We will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth changeover to GBR," a representative noted.