Other than Heidi, what comes to mind when most folks think of Switzerland? Precision, probably. Timepieces, certainly. And precision.
Which may explain why, when the Swiss SBB railway network embarked on a plan to load trains faster and get them on their way (clock) by having them stop with the doors at precisely the marked spot (precision), they though of using chocolate as a reward for train drivers who get it just right.
SBB is installing signs with the marks for the doors in three stations as a test, and passengers will be expected to line up at them to wait for the train. There are also signs on the approaches to tell the drivers exactly when to brake in order to meet the passengers. If it all works, it will be rolled out nationally.
And if it doesn’t…maybe they can give the chocolate to passengers who are ready to board and not running with their bags at the last second.
