Exclusive: UK Mirror Readers Debate Child-Free Train Carriages Following French Ban
French national railway company SNCF has ignited a fiery international debate by launching its new Optimum class, a business-class carriage where tickets are not available for children under 12 years old. The move, designed to offer a "quiet, dedicated space" for business travellers on weekday high-speed Inoui trains, has provoked strong reactions across France and prompted Mirror readers in the UK to consider whether similar measures should be introduced here.
Controversial Policy Sparks National Debate
The announcement of SNCF's child-free carriage policy has created a significant division in French society. Sarah El Haïry, France's children's commissioner, described the initiative as "shocking" during a television interview, arguing that it sends completely the wrong message about children's place in society. "When you give the impression that adult comfort depends on the absence of children, it's shocking," she stated, highlighting the contradiction with France's concerns about declining birth rates and demographic challenges.
The controversy has reached the highest levels of French government, with MP Constance de Pélichy Liot leading a campaign to outlaw bans on children in public spaces through legislative action. Meanwhile, SNCF executives have defended their position, with Gaëlle Babault, director of TGV Inoui Offers, emphasising that Optimum seats represent only 8% of weekday seating, leaving 92% of other seats available to everyone without restrictions.
Emotional Arguments For Adult-Only Spaces
Stephanie Phillips, founder of World Childless Week, presents compelling emotional reasons why some adults might seek out child-free environments. "I can only give my opinion as a childless woman," she explains, "but I know there are certain aspects that will reflect or relate to many people who are childless not by choice." Phillips describes scenarios where individuals might need respite from emotional triggers, such as returning from work after difficult pregnancy announcements or baby visits.
Phillips argues that with approximately one in five women and one in five men being childfree either by choice or circumstance, there exists a substantial potential market for adult-only spaces. She would support similar arrangements on airlines and other transport modes, noting that people are often willing to pay extra for peace and quiet when dealing with personal grief or simply needing space from daily stresses.
Etiquette Expert Challenges The Approach
Nick Leighton, co-host of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?, offers a contrasting perspective on the child-free carriage debate. While acknowledging the appeal of quiet spaces, Leighton questions whether banning children addresses the real problems on public transport. "I was recently on Amtrak from New York to D.C. and somebody decided that that was when they needed to do all of their Zoom calls on their laptop at full blast," he recalls, highlighting that disruptive behaviour comes from all age groups.
Leighton advocates for well-enforced quiet carriages open to anyone willing to follow established rules rather than age-based restrictions. "I would much prefer a dedicated and well-enforced quiet car," he states. "It's open to anybody who wants to follow the rules. So if you just have a family and you've got some kids colouring, I much prefer that than a businessman on a loudspeakerphone call for three hours."
Educational Value Of Inclusive Transport
The etiquette expert raises an important social consideration about the long-term impact of segregating children from public spaces. "I think in the long run it's not best for society because they need to learn how to be on a train," Leighton argues. "They need to learn how to be in a restaurant. And so we have to expose them to all of these things so they can experience it and then learn how to do it." This perspective suggests that inclusive public transport serves an important educational function in socialising younger generations.
SNCF's Family-Friendly Alternatives
In response to criticism, SNCF has emphasised their existing family-friendly provisions. Charlotte Caillaux, a press officer for the railway company, notes that Family Areas are available on all TGV INOUI trains during weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. "To travel in this area, simply select 'Family Area' when choosing your seat during the ticket reservation process," she explains, presenting the Optimum class as just one option among many rather than a blanket policy.
The debate continues to develop as travellers, parents, childfree adults, and policymakers consider the balance between creating peaceful travel environments and maintaining inclusive public spaces that accommodate all members of society.
