In a bold move that has ignited heated discussions online, France's state-owned railway company has introduced a new first-class section specifically designed for adult travelers seeking tranquility during their journey. This innovative offering, named Optimum Plus, was launched at the beginning of January and is set to replace the previously available Business Première class.
What makes this initiative particularly contentious is its strict policy prohibiting children under the age of 12. The podcast "Les Adultes de demain" (The Adults of Tomorrow) has voiced strong concerns, stating, "A red line has been crossed and nobody is talking about it."
Currently, the Optimum Plus carriages can be found on select TGV trains operating between Paris and Lyon. Passengers traveling in these exclusive compartments can still access the usual first-class and standard class carriages. According to SNCF, the new service is tailored for business customers and individuals who desire a unique travel experience characterized by personalized services and greater flexibility. To maintain a serene atmosphere, ticket details explicitly mention, "To ensure maximum comfort, children are not permitted."
The backlash against this policy has been significant, with many commentators expressing outrage across social media and various French news outlets. Posting on Instagram, the "Les Adultes de demain" team remarked, "France's leading public transport company is succumbing to the 'no kids' trend. Instead of creating spaces for families, SNCF is shutting children out entirely."
Some critics have connected this decision to France's declining birth rate, arguing that it reflects a troubling cultural shift that fosters intolerance toward children in public settings. Economist Maxime Sbaihi shared his perspective on X, stating, "This shows that the dwindling birth rate is more than just numbers; it influences our societal attitudes to the extent that children are seen as unwelcome."
Interestingly, while children are barred from this new class, pets can accompany their owners for a surcharge of €10 per journey, which has further fueled criticism.
Sarah El Haïry, the children’s commissioner in France, echoed these sentiments during a television interview, stating, "When you suggest that adult comfort hinges on the absence of children, it sends a disturbing message. How can we address our demographic issues while simultaneously broadcasting such overt signals?"
In light of the mounting controversy, SNCF has clarified that the Optimum Plus option will only be available from Monday to Friday, with a mere eight percent of seats allocated to this category. This means that a substantial 92 percent of seats during weekdays, and all seats on weekends, remain accessible to all travelers. A spokesperson for SNCF explained, "The toddler package and child tickets are not offered in this section, but this has been consistent with our previous Business Première offering, which did not attract negative feedback."
Furthermore, SNCF emphasized that they have consistently turned down requests for entirely child-free carriages on TGV INOUI trains. They reassured travelers by stating, "Children are always welcome aboard our trains. We provide excellent family fare options and designated family zones. Our TGV trains feature nursery areas, and we proudly accommodate around 300,000 children annually through our Junior & Compagnie program."
But here's where it gets controversial: Should a travel experience prioritize adult comfort over inclusivity for families? What do you think about the balance between creating peaceful spaces for business travelers and ensuring that children have a place in society? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
