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

A National Design and Familiar Symbol

The fresh branding incorporates a red, white and blue palette to represent the UK flag and will be used on GBR trains, at stations, and across its digital platforms.

Interestingly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow design currently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Strategy

The introduction of the design, which was designed internally, is expected to occur gradually.

Passengers are scheduled to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains on the network from spring next year.

Throughout the month of December, the design will be showcased at major stations, like Birmingham New Street.

The Path to Renationalisation

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

The administration has said it is taking control of the railways so the system is "run by the passengers, working for the public, not for profit."

Great British Railways will unify the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body.

The department has said it will combine 17 different organisations and "eliminate the notorious bureaucracy and accountability gap that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The rollout of Great British Railways will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will enable passengers to check schedules and reserve tickets without booking fees.

Accessibility passengers will also be able to use the app to request assistance.

Several franchises had earlier been taken into public control under the former government, including Southeastern.

There are currently seven operating companies already in state ownership, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with further franchises expected to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"This is more than a paint job," stated the relevant minister. It signifies "a transformed service, leaving behind the issues of the previous system and concentrated solely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Industry leaders have welcomed the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a successful transition to GBR," one executive said.