French Railway Giant SNCF Faces Intense Backlash Over New 'No Kids' Carriage Policy
The state-owned French railway company SNCF has ignited a fierce public and political controversy after introducing a new child-free section within its premium first-class carriages. The dedicated area, branded as 'Optimum', is now operational on weekday TGV Inoui services travelling to and from Paris, specifically designed for business travellers and frequent commuters seeking enhanced comfort and privacy.
'Shocking' Policy Denounced by Children's Commissioner
Sarah El Haïry, the French high commissioner for children, has publicly condemned the initiative, labelling the explicit ban on passengers under the age of 12 as profoundly "shocking". In a televised interview on BFM, she argued that travelling with children should not be treated as a problem requiring segregation but as a normal societal reality that requires support and accommodation.
"Travelling with children is not a problem to be fixed, but a reality to be supported," stated Ms El Haïry, who has announced her intention to meet with SNCF's group chief executive, Jean Castex, to discuss the contentious policy. She advocated for the expansion of family-friendly travel options instead of implementing exclusionary measures.
SNCF Defends 'Optimum' as a Niche Service for Calm and Productivity
SNCF has vigorously defended the new offering, describing it as a sanctuary for productivity and relaxation. The company promises "exclusive comfort in a fully dedicated first-class carriage, with seating arrangements designed to preserve your privacy, for a calm journey, ideal for working or relaxing."
The rail operator has clarified that the Optimum carriage is situated at the very end of the train to prevent through traffic, thereby maintaining its secluded atmosphere. A key stipulation buried within the service details explicitly states: "To ensure maximum comfort in the dedicated space, children are not permitted."
Social Media Fury and Corporate Response
The policy triggered an immediate and vocal backlash across social media platforms, with many users accusing SNCF of discrimination against families and young passengers. In response, Gaëlle Babault, director of TGV Inoui Offers for SNCF, took to the company's official Instagram account to contextualise the scale of the offering.
She emphasised that the Optimum service occupies less than 8 per cent of the space on a TGV Inoui train and is only available from Monday to Friday. "This means that 92 per cent of the other seats are available to everyone – and 100 per cent on weekends," Ms Babault posted, framing it as a limited, weekday-only option for a specific clientele.
Competitive Landscape on Key European Routes
The controversy emerges as SNCF faces heightened competition on the lucrative Paris-Lyon route from the Italian state rail operator, Trenitalia. Trenitalia markets its own 'Area de Silenzio' (Silence Area), which is promoted as a zone allowing passengers a calm environment free from noise. Notably, Trenitalia's policy materials remain silent on whether children are explicitly banned from this quiet carriage, drawing a contrast with SNCF's unequivocal prohibition.
This development highlights the ongoing tension in the transport sector between catering to business travellers demanding silent, productive spaces and ensuring inclusive, family-friendly services for all passengers, a debate now firmly at the forefront of France's travel industry.
