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The Transport Department has revealed the branding for the new national rail body, signifying a major stride in its strategy to take the railways under nationalisation.

An National Design and Familiar Logo

The fresh design incorporates a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at terminals, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the symbol is the distinctive twin-arrow logo currently used by the national rail network and first created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

A Rollout Plan

The introduction of the new look, which was developed by the department, is set to happen gradually.

Passengers are set to start noticing the freshly-liveried trains on the network from next spring.

In the month of December, the branding will be exhibited at prominent railway stations, like Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Renationalisation

The proposed law, which will enable the creation of GBR, is currently moving through the legislative process.

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

The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.

The department has said it will unify 17 different entities and "reduce the problematic administrative hurdles and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Current Ownership

The rollout of GBR will also include a dedicated app, which will enable customers to see timetables and purchase journeys free from booking fees.

Passengers with disabilities passengers will also be have the option to use the app to book support.

A number of train companies had already been nationalised under the previous government, including Northern.

There are now 7 train operators now in state ownership, covering about a third of journeys.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to follow in the coming years.

Official and Industry Response

"This isn't just a new logo," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the issues of the past and dedicated completely on delivering a proper service for the public."

Rail figures have welcomed the pledge to bettering the passenger experience.

"The industry will continue to collaborate with industry partners to facilitate a successful changeover to the new system," a representative said.