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The Transport Department has presented the logo and livery for GBR, constituting a notable stride in its plans to bring the railways back into state hands.

A Patriotic Palette and Historic Symbol

The fresh livery uses a patriotic palette to reflect the Union Flag and will be used on GBR trains, at railway stations, and across its website and app.

Significantly, the symbol is the recognisable double-arrow symbol historically used by National Rail and previously created in the mid-20th century for British Rail.

The Implementation Strategy

The introduction of the design, which was designed by the department, is set to happen gradually.

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

During the month of December, the visuals will be exhibited at major railway stations, including London Bridge.

A Journey to Public Ownership

The Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of GBR, is currently moving through the House of Commons.

The administration has said it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the service is "run by the public, operating for the people, not for private shareholders."

GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under a single organisation.

The department has stated it will combine 17 separate entities and "cut through the notorious administrative hurdles and poor accountability that hinders the railways."

App-Based Services and Current Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also include a comprehensive mobile application, which will allow customers to check timetables and book journeys free from additional fees.

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

Multiple train companies had earlier been taken into public control under the outgoing government, such as Northern.

There are currently 7 train operators already in public hands, covering about a one-third of rail travel.

In the last twelve months, c2c have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to follow in 2026.

Official and Sector Comments

"The new design is more than a new logo," said the Transport Secretary. It signifies "a fresh start, leaving behind the frustrations of the past and focused completely on providing a genuine service for the public."

Rail representatives have welcomed the government's commitment to bettering the passenger experience.

"We will carry on to collaborate with industry partners to ensure a smooth handover to the new system," a senior figure said.