Date: 04/02/2013

The Swiss have long been proud of their railways but a new, strict ticketing policy is turning the love affair sour. As I write this, I am travelling home watching the sun set over the mountains which flank Lake Geneva. It is bitterly cold, there has been a good deal of snow, but the train is right on time. It is warm and I have a seat. I feel pleasantly smug as I look out at the rush hour traffic on the motorway. I feel smugger still as the aroma of fresh coffee heralds the arrival of the drinks service. Swiss friends often tell me, proudly, that their rail service is the best in the world, but recently, the Swiss love affair with their railway has turned a little sour.

External links

Swiss love affair with rail turns sour

BBC News

The Swiss have long been proud of their railways but a new, strict ticketing policy is turning the love affair sour, says Imogen Foulkes.

Related images

Train climbing near Rochers de Nay, Switzerland, on 6 September 2008.
Location: Rochers de Nay
Company: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
06/09/2008 John Willoughby

The passengers are off, the refreshment trolley is ready for a refill, and a light engine is about to couple up and take out the empty stock. It all seems to run like clockwork on SBB.
Location: Geneva Airport
Company: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
14/09/2009 Ken Strachan

The Glacier Express changing over locos from friction to rack and pinion at Disentis-Muster (3750 feet) on 24 May 2009. From here the railway climbs to 6,670 feet.
Location: Disentis-Muster
Company: Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
24/05/2009 Bruce McCartney