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The Transport Department has revealed the branding for GBR, representing a key step in its policy to bring the railways into public ownership.

A National Design and Familiar Symbol

The new branding showcases a red, white and blue colour scheme to represent the UK flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Interestingly, the symbol is the iconic double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and previously created in the 1960s for the former state operator.

The Rollout Timeline

The implementation of the new look, which was developed by the department, is scheduled to occur over time.

Travellers are set to begin seeing the freshly-liveried services across the national network from next spring.

During December, the design will be exhibited at key stations, such as Leeds City.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will pave the way the formation of GBR, is presently progressing through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the public, operating for the public, not for profit."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The government has claimed it will merge seventeen separate bodies and "eliminate the frustrating bureaucracy and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also include a comprehensive app, which will allow passengers to view schedules and purchase journeys free from additional fees.

Disabled users will also be have the option to use the app to request assistance.

A number of train companies had previously been taken into public control under the former government, including Northern.

There are now 7 operating companies now in public control, covering about a third of passenger trips.

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

Ministerial and Sector Comments

"This is not simply a paint job," stated the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a new railway, leaving behind the frustrations of the previous system and focused entirely on providing a genuine public service."

Rail leaders have welcomed the focus to bettering services.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to facilitate a seamless handover to GBR," a representative said.