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The government has revealed the visual identity for GBR, signifying a key step in its agenda to take the railways under public control.

A National Colour Scheme and Familiar Symbol

The new livery showcases a patriotic design to echo the Union Flag and will be used on locomotives, at terminals, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the emblem is the iconic twin-arrow design historically used by National Rail and originally created in the 1960s for British Rail.

A Introduction Plan

The rollout of the new look, which was designed in-house, is set to happen in phases.

Passengers are set to start spotting the newly-branded services throughout the network from next spring.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be exhibited at major railway stations, like Manchester Piccadilly.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will allow the creation of GBR, is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "run by the public, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

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

The government has said it will merge 17 different bodies and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Existing Public Control

The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated mobile application, which will let passengers to see timetables and book tickets free from surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be able to use the application to arrange help.

Multiple franchises had earlier been nationalised under the previous government, such as Southeastern.

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

In the past year, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to be added in 2026.

Official and Industry Comments

"This is not simply a new logo," commented the Transport Secretary. It symbolises "a new railway, casting off the issues of the past and dedicated completely on offering a reliable public service."

Rail representatives have responded positively to the pledge to enhancing services.

"We will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a successful changeover to Great British Railways," one executive added.