KEY POINTS
- France’s national railway, SNCF, officially barred children under 12 from its newly launched “Optimum” premium carriage on weekday TGV trains.
- Public health and child welfare officials labeled the move as discriminatory and a disastrous signal for a country facing a declining birth rate.
- SNCF defended the policy as a niche service for business travelers, noting that the restricted space represents less than 8% of total weekday seating.
A storm of criticism is hitting the French national railway operator, SNCF, following the relaunch of its most exclusive travel tier. The company recently introduced its new “Optimum” class on high-speed TGV Inoui lines. While the service promises ultimate privacy and silence, it carries a strict age requirement. Passengers under the age of 12 are not permitted to enter or even walk through these specific carriages.
The policy has ignited a fierce debate across social media and within the French government. Sarah El Haïry, the High Commissioner for Children, publicly denounced the “no kids” rule as shocking. She argued that traveling with children is a reality to be supported rather than a problem to be solved. Critics believe the move promotes a culture of intolerance toward families in public spaces.
SNCF officials responded to the outrage by emphasizing the limited scope of the restriction. The company clarified that the “Optimum” class only operates from Monday to Friday on select routes. According to the operator, child-free seats make up less than 8% of the total capacity during the week. On weekends and public holidays, every seat on the train remains open to travelers of all ages.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between the demand for quiet zones and the rights of citizens to access public services. Some travel experts suggest the railway is trying to compete with private jets and premium airlines. These industries often market “adults-only” environments as a luxury perk. However, essayists in France warn that such segregation could alienate young parents and hurt national social cohesion.
Economists also expressed concern over the timing of the policy. France recently recorded more deaths than births for the first time since the end of World War II. Critics argue that making children scarce in premium spaces sends a negative message to a society in need of growth. They suggest that instead of banning children, the railway should invest in better family-friendly infrastructure.
The “Optimum” carriages are strategically placed at the end of the trains to ensure total seclusion. This physical separation prevents other passengers from passing through while moving between cars. While business travelers may appreciate the undisturbed environment, the legal and social implications of age-based exclusion remain a hot topic in French politics.
