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A French railway company has faced a backlash after it launched a new child-free zone in its premium carriages.
Starting this month, TGV trains will run to and from the city on weekdays Paris First class has a new exclusive area called Optimum, which some have accused of discriminating against passengers under 12 years old.
SNCFThe company, which offers services across France, Germany and Luxembourg on its main Inoui Express brand, said the new category is aimed at “frequent travelers, often business travelers, who want to enjoy greater comfort”.
The country’s organization promises: “Enjoy the unique comfort of a fully dedicated First Class carriage, with seating arrangements designed to protect your privacy for a peaceful journey, ideal for working or relaxing.”
The secret to a peaceful journey is revealed in the details: “To ensure maximum comfort in the dedicated space, children are not allowed.”
Wandering children under 12 will also not pass through the carriages, SNCF explains: “The carriages are located at the end of the train to prevent other passengers from passing through the Optimum dedicated area.”
But speaking on news service BFM, France’s high commissioner for children, Sarah El Haïry, condemned what she said was a “no child” ban as “shocking”.
she told the broadcaster: “Traveling with children is not a problem that needs to be solved, it’s a reality that needs support.”
Instead, Ms El Haïry proposed more family-friendly options and said she would meet with SNCF Group chief executive Jean Castex to discuss the children’s ban.
The rail company has now responded to social media outrage over its “no kids” policy.
Gaëlle Babault, Director of TGV Inoui, provided the quote for SNCF, Posted on the operator’s Instagram account: “Our Optimum offer takes up less than 8% of space on TGV Inoui and is only available from Monday to Friday. This means 92% of other seats are available to everyone, and 100% on weekends.”
SNCF now faces competition with Trenitalia Italian railway company Located on the main Paris-Lyon route. Provided by Trenitalia silent zone “Quiet for passengers, no noise” area.
Trenitalia remains mum on whether children are banned from the space.