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The administration has presented the branding for Great British Railways, marking a significant step in its policy to take the railways back into state hands.

An Patriotic Design and Familiar Emblem

The updated livery showcases a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to echo the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at stations, and across its website and app.

Notably, the logo is the distinctive double-arrow symbol presently used by National Rail and originally designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Introduction Plan

The implementation of the branding, which was designed by the department, is scheduled to take place over time.

Passengers are expected to start noticing the newly-branded services across the network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be displayed at major railway stations, like Leeds City.

A Journey to Nationalisation

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

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, working for the public, not for private shareholders."

The new body will consolidate the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will merge 17 separate organisations and "reduce the problematic red tape and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Ownership

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated app, which will enable users to check timetables and reserve journeys free from additional fees.

Disabled travellers will also be able to use the application to request assistance.

Several franchises had previously been taken into public control under the former administration, such as TPE.

There are currently 7 operating companies already in public hands, covering about a third of journeys.

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Comments

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," said the relevant minister. It represents "a fresh start, casting off the frustrations of the previous system and concentrated entirely on providing a genuine passenger-focused service."

Industry representatives have responded positively to the focus to bettering services.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with relevant bodies to support a successful handover to the new system," one executive said.