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The UK government has presented the visual identity for Great British Railways, representing a significant advance in its agenda to bring the railways under public control.

A National Palette and Iconic Symbol

The new design uses a patriotic design to represent the Union Flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms.

Notably, the emblem is the well-known double-arrow logo presently used by the national rail network and originally created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Introduction Strategy

The introduction of the branding, which was created in-house, is expected to happen gradually.

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

Throughout the month of December, the design will be exhibited at major stations, such as Leeds City.

The Path to Public Ownership

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

The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "run by the people, working for the people, not for corporate interests."

Great British Railways will consolidate the operation of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The government has said it will combine 17 different organisations and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that has long affected the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The launch of GBR will also include a dedicated mobile application, which will let passengers to check schedules and book journeys without surcharges.

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

A number of train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, including LNER.

There are currently seven train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a third of rail travel.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators anticipated to be added in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Reaction

"The new design is not simply a cosmetic change," commented the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, casting off the frustrations of the past and dedicated solely on providing a genuine public service."

Industry figures have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to cooperate with industry partners to facilitate a seamless transition to Great British Railways," a representative noted.