France’s children’s commissioner, Sarah El Haïry, expressed astonishment at the reinstatement of a ban on children under 12 in specific carriages by the French national rail company, SNCF. This decision was part of SNCF’s launch of the Optimum class, catering to business travelers on high-speed Inoui trains during weekdays. The new class promised amenities such as high-speed WiFi and in-seat dining, with the notable exclusion of children to maintain a peaceful environment.
The move has ignited a heated discussion in France, with strong opinions on both sides. El Haïry criticized the ban, stating that it sends the wrong message by implying that adult comfort hinges on the absence of children. The debate has even reached the French assembly, where efforts are being made to challenge the ban on children in public spaces.
In response to criticism, Gaëlle Babault, director of TGV Inoui Offers, defended the policy by highlighting that the Optimum seats constitute only 8% of total seats on weekdays, leaving 92% available to all passengers and 100% open on weekends. The question of the legality and potential implementation of a similar ban in the UK has also been raised.
Stephanie Phillips, founder of World Childless Week, voiced support for childfree spaces, emphasizing the need for environments where adults can find solace. She highlighted the emotional challenges that childless individuals may face in public settings and advocated for designated adult-only areas.
In contrast, Nick Leighton, co-host of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?, criticized the ban on children in trains, suggesting that enforcing a quiet car with rules for all passengers would be a preferable solution. He emphasized the importance of exposing children to different experiences to help them learn and adapt to diverse environments.
Charlotte Caillaux, a press officer for SNCF, clarified that families can still reserve tickets in the Family Area on TGV INOUI trains during weekends, school holidays, and public holidays for a more family-friendly travel experience.
The debate around childfree spaces on trains continues to spark discussions on societal norms and passenger preferences, prompting varied viewpoints on the inclusion and exclusion of children in public transport settings.