🔗 Share this article The New Branding for Great British Railways is Shown. The government has revealed the visual identity for GBR, representing a notable advance in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands. An National Colour Scheme and Familiar Emblem The new branding uses a patriotic design to represent the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its website and app. Notably, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow logo presently used by National Rail and previously designed in the mid-20th century for the former state operator. The distinctive twin-arrow emblem was formerly used by the state-owned British Rail. The Rollout Plan The implementation of the design, which was designed in-house, is expected to happen in phases. Passengers are set to start spotting the freshly-liveried trains throughout the national network from the coming spring. In December, the visuals will be displayed at key stations, like Leeds City. A Path to Nationalisation The Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is currently progressing through the Parliament. The administration has stated it is renationalising the railways so the system is "owned by the people, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders." The new body will consolidate the operation of train services and infrastructure under one umbrella body. The government has claimed it will merge 17 separate organisations and "reduce the frustrating red tape and lack of accountability that hinders the railways." App-Based Services and Existing Ownership The introduction of Great British Railways will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will enable passengers to check train times and reserve journeys without additional fees. Disabled passengers will also be able to use the application to request help. A mock up of what the GBR application could look. A number of train companies had already been nationalised under the former government, such as Northern. There are now seven train operators now in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of rail travel. In the last twelve months, South Western Railway have been nationalised, with more anticipated to be added in the coming years. Ministerial and Sector Response "The new design is more than a cosmetic change," commented the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, shedding the problems of the past and concentrated entirely on offering a proper passenger-focused service." Industry figures have welcomed the government's commitment to improving the passenger experience. "We will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to support a seamless handover to the new system," one executive said.