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The Transport Department has unveiled the visual identity for the new national rail body, signifying a notable advance in its plans to bring the railways under nationalisation.

A Patriotic Design and Historic Symbol

The updated branding uses a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the Union Flag and will be applied on rolling stock, at stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the symbol is the recognisable double-arrow design currently used by the national rail network and first created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.

The Rollout Strategy

The phased introduction of the new look, which was developed internally, is expected to happen gradually.

Travellers are scheduled to start seeing the newly-branded services on the network from next spring.

In the month of December, the visuals will be displayed at prominent stations, such as Leeds City.

A Journey to Renationalisation

The legislation, which will pave the way the creation of GBR, is currently progressing through the legislative process.

The government has argued it is renationalising the railways so the network is "owned by the passengers, operating for the passengers, not for private shareholders."

The new body will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a unified structure.

The department has claimed it will merge 17 different bodies and "eliminate the notorious red tape and lack of accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Existing Public Control

The launch of GBR will also include a new app, which will enable users to view train times and reserve journeys without surcharges.

Passengers with disabilities users will also be have the option to use the app to request support.

A number of operators had already been nationalised under the former government, such as Northern.

There are now 7 train operators now in public hands, representing about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, c2c have been nationalised, with additional operators expected to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Industry Response

"This is more than a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It represents "a new railway, leaving behind the issues of the past and concentrated entirely on delivering a proper passenger-focused service."

Rail representatives have acknowledged the pledge to enhancing the passenger experience.

"The industry will carry on to work closely with industry partners to support a successful handover to the new system," a senior figure said.