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The Transport Department has presented the branding for GBR, constituting a notable advance in its agenda to take the railways into public ownership.

An National Palette and Historic Logo

The new branding uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be applied on locomotives, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Notably, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and previously introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Implementation Strategy

The phased introduction of the new look, which was designed by the department, is expected to happen gradually.

Passengers are expected to start seeing the newly-branded trains on the national network from spring next year.

In December, the branding will be showcased at prominent stations, including Leeds City.

A Path to Nationalisation

The Railways Bill, which will allow the creation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the legislative process.

The government has stated it is taking control of the railways so the service is "run by the people, working for the people, not for private shareholders."

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

The department has stated it will merge seventeen various organisations and "eliminate the frustrating red tape and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

App-Based Features and Current Public Control

The introduction of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated app, which will allow customers to see timetables and purchase journeys without booking fees.

Accessibility travellers will also be able to use the app to arrange assistance.

Several operators had already been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as TPE.

There are currently seven train operators already in public control, covering about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to follow in 2026.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"The new design is more than a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, shedding the issues of the past and concentrated solely on delivering a genuine public service."

Rail leaders have responded positively to the focus to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to cooperate with relevant bodies to facilitate a smooth changeover to GBR," one executive added.