đź”— Share this article The Updated Branding for the UK's National Rail Body is Uncovered. The government has disclosed the visual identity for GBR, marking a significant move in its policy to take the railways into public ownership. An National Design and Iconic Logo The updated design incorporates a patriotic colour scheme to represent the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its digital platforms. Notably, the symbol is the iconic twin-arrow design historically used by the national rail network and originally created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator. The distinctive double-arrow logo was originally used by the state-owned British Rail. A Implementation Strategy The rollout of the branding, which was designed by the department, is set to take place gradually. Travellers are set to begin seeing the newly-branded trains on the UK rail network from next spring. Throughout December, the branding will be displayed at major railway stations, like Leeds City. The Path to Public Ownership The legislation, which will allow the formation of Great British Railways, is currently moving through the legislative process. The government has stated it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, delivering for the people, not for profit." GBR will unify the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation. The department has said it will merge seventeen different bodies and "cut through the problematic administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways." App-Based Features and Existing Public Control The introduction of Great British Railways will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will allow users to view train times and purchase tickets without booking fees. Passengers with disabilities travellers will also be able to use the app to book help. A preview of what the Great British Railways app might look. Several train companies had previously been nationalised under the former government, such as Northern. There are currently seven operating companies already in public control, representing about a one-third of passenger trips. In the last twelve months, Greater Anglia have been nationalised, with additional operators likely to be added in the coming years. Ministerial and Industry Comments "This isn't just a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a transformed service, shedding the problems of the previous system and focused solely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service." Industry leaders have responded positively to the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience. "We will carry on to collaborate with all stakeholders to support a seamless transition to Great British Railways," a representative said.