A Fresh Branding for GBR is Announced.

The UK government has revealed the visual identity for GBR, signifying a key advance in its plans to take the railways into public ownership.

A Patriotic Design and Familiar Symbol

The updated design showcases a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Introduction Strategy

The phased introduction of the new look, which was developed internally, is set to happen over time.

Travellers are scheduled to begin noticing the freshly-liveried trains across the UK rail network from next spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be showcased at prominent railway stations, such as Leeds City.

A Path to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The government has said it is renationalising the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

GBR will consolidate the running of train services and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has claimed it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "reduce the frustrating red tape and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also include a new app, which will allow users to check schedules and reserve journeys without booking fees.

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

A number of franchises had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, including Northern.

There are currently 7 train operators now in public control, representing about a third of journeys.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been nationalised, with more anticipated to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Reaction

"This is more than a cosmetic change," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and focused completely on offering a reliable public service."

Rail figures have welcomed the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to support a successful changeover to GBR," one executive said.