France's decision to introduce 'child-free' first-class train carriages has ignited a fiery debate online, with many calling the move 'shocking'!
France's national railway company, SNCF, has unveiled a new premium first-class section on select trains, dubbed 'Optimum Plus.' This exclusive space is designed to offer a serene environment, particularly for business travelers seeking a tranquil journey. Introduced in January, it replaces the previous 'Business Première' offering. A key feature of Optimum Plus is that it's strictly for passengers aged 12 and over, meaning children are not permitted.
But here's where it gets controversial... The podcast Les Adultes de demain (The Adults of Tomorrow) has voiced strong opposition, declaring, "A red line has been crossed and nobody is talking about it." This sentiment has resonated widely, sparking a significant public outcry.
The new Optimum Plus carriages are currently only operational on TGV trains traveling between Paris and Lyon. It's important to note that these trains will still feature regular first-class and standard-class carriages, so this new option is a specific addition rather than a complete overhaul.
SNCF states that Optimum Plus is primarily aimed at business clients and those desiring a "special travel experience with personalized assistance and flexibility." To ensure this, the age restriction of over 12 years old is enforced, with ticket details explicitly stating, "To ensure maximum comfort, children are not permitted."
And this is the part most people miss... The notion that "adult comfort depends on the absence of children" has been a major point of contention. Online discussions and French media have been abuzz with criticism. Les Adultes de demain lamented on Instagram, "France’s leading public transport company is also giving in to the ‘no kids’ policy. Instead of creating carriages for children, the SNCF Group is excluding them."
Some have drawn a connection between this policy and France's declining birth rate. Economist Maxime Sbaihi provocatively commented on X, "[This is] proof that the declining birth rate is also cultural; it makes children scarce to the point of making us intolerant of their presence."
Adding to the debate, others have pointed out a seemingly contradictory policy: pets are allowed on board for a fee of €10 per trip. This has led to questions about the prioritization of adult comfort over the presence of children.
These criticisms have been amplified by France's children's commissioner, Sarah El Haïry, who stated in a TV interview, "When you give the impression that adult comfort depends on the absence of children, it's shocking. We can't say, ‘Look out, we're having fewer children, we've got demographic problems’ and send out such blunt signals."
'Children are welcome on board our trains'
In response to the widespread backlash, SNCF has clarified that the Optimum Plus option is available only from Monday to Friday and constitutes a very limited portion of seats, just 8 percent. A spokesperson assured Euronews Travel that "92 percent of seats during the week and 100 percent at weekends are open to everyone." They also emphasized that the exclusion of children and specific child ticket options in this area is not new, as it was also the policy for the previous Business Première offer without generating negative feedback.
SNCF further stated that they have consistently declined requests from customers who have asked for entire carriages, like first class, to be entirely child-free on TGV INOUI trains. "Children are welcome on board our trains. We offer very attractive family fares and family areas," the spokesperson added. "There are nursery areas on TGV trains and we welcome 300,000 children every year as part of the Junior & Compagnie program."
What do you think? Is this a reasonable accommodation for business travelers, or does it send a disheartening message about the value of children in public spaces? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
