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From Our Own Correspondent: Stories of railways in Switzerland and Nigeria

A clock of the Swiss national train operator SBB

18/02/2013

Stories of railways in Switzerland and Nigeria

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Stories of railways in Switzerland and Nigeria

From Swiss trains that run like clockwork, to Nigerian trains on a more leisurely pace

From Swiss trains that run like clockwork - but watch out for the fines - to Nigerian trains on a more leisurely pace.

Switzerland’s railways are one of the glories of the country. But recently, the Swiss love affair with their railway has turned a little sour. It all began with the decision to abolish ticket sales on trains. Instead, customers can buy tickets beforehand online or at the station. But as Imogen Foulkes discovers, this isn't as straightforward as it sounds.

Will Ross decided to take a 29-hour rail journey across Nigeria instead of getting a plane. From the antiquated stations and trains, to the interesting characters he meets onboard, the journey certainly isn't dull.

(Image: A clock of the Swiss national train operator SBB. Credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/GettyImages)

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