The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word INTERCHANGES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
I
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Switches" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case switches = interchanges.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INTERCHANGES mean?
INTERCHANGES noun- An act of interchanging.
- A highway junction in which traffic may change from one road to another without crossing a stream of traffic.
- A connection between two or more lines, services or modes of transport; a station at which such a connection can be made.
- To switch (each of two things)
- To mutually give and receive (something); to exchange
- To swap or change places
- To alternate; to intermingle or vary
- To act as or carry out an interchange (noun, senses 2, 3).