FAQs for Agents regarding InterCity UNCH Policy Change

Key information and answers for agents and customers regarding the upcoming policy change for children travelling unaccompanied on InterCity services.

Frequently asked Questions

Why is InterCity changing the minimum age for travelling alone?
“InterCity has updated the minimum age for unaccompanied child travel to 10 years. This is a safety-led decision based on our responsibility to ensure children travelling alone can be supported safely on long-distance services. The change follows a review of our duty of care towards children travelling independently.”

Did InterCity consider the impact this may have on families?
“Yes. We recognise this change may be disappointing or inconvenient, particularly for families who have previously used this option. However, our priority is to ensure we only offer services we can deliver safely and consistently.”

Why was the age considered acceptable before?
“Following a review of our duty of care responsibilities, we determined that a higher minimum age was appropriate for future bookings.”

Were there specific incident/s that caused this change?
“No. This change was made following a review of our duty of care towards children travelling alone on long-distance coach services, and not the result of any single incident.”

Will the policy be reviewed again to consider going back to the minimum age requirement?
“We regularly review our policies; however, we have no further information to share regarding future reviews of this policy at this time.”

Did you consult parents before making this change?
“We don’t have any information to share regarding consultation activities. The change was made following a review of our duty of care obligations.”

Does the age requirement apply to all services?
“No. For our connecting and overnight services (IC6503 and IC6504), all passengers under 16 must travel with a responsible adult aged 16+, unless on an exempted route (ICIC6211, IC6217 and IC6218, IC6222).”

What age is considered an adult guardian for 10yo and below?
“A responsible accompanying passenger must be aged 16 years or older. This has been lowered from 18 years old as part of this policy change to help support families who may benefit from the reduced age limit.”

Is there an age requirement and number of children that a 16yo can accompany?
“There is no limit on the number of children a passenger aged 16 or over may accompany.”

Is the age requirement based on the travel date or booking date?
“The policy applies to new bookings made after the 15th of September 2026. Existing bookings made before that date will be honoured.”

My child is turning 10 a few days after their travel date. Can they travel without a guardian?
“No, your child must be aged 10 or older on their date of travel to travel without an adult guardian aged 16 or over.”

My child travelled independently before at the age of 7, with no issues. Can you make an exception?
“We appreciate that some children have travelled independently in the past without issue. However, our responsibility is to offer services we can deliver safely and consistently. New bookings must comply with the new policy.”

Does InterCity offer any alternative for our 7-9yo kids to travel alone?
“We recognise this may be disappointing or inconvenient, particularly for families who have relied on the InterCity network previously. Under the updated policy, children aged 7-9 must travel with a responsible adult aged 16 or older.”

Will you offer a discount to adults accompanying 7-9yo?
“We are not able to offer a discount for passengers aged 16+ who are accompanying children.”

Will you make exceptions for boarding school students who regularly travel independently on InterCity services?
“The policy applies consistently to new bookings and requires children aged 7-9 to travel with a responsible adult aged 16 or older.”

Isn’t this the parent’s decision to make instead of InterCity?
“We understand that parents know their children best. However, InterCity has a responsibility to ensure the services we provide can be delivered safely and consistently. Following a review of our duty of care obligations, we introduced this policy change.”

Other transport providers allow this. Why doesn’t InterCity?
“Each transport provider sets its own policies. InterCity’s policy is based on our assessment of what is appropriate to safely support children travelling alone on long-distance coach services.”

My children depend on your service. What are we supposed to do now?
“We recognise this may be disappointing or inconvenient, particularly for families who have used this option previously. Under the updated policy, children aged 7-9 must travel with a responsible adult aged 16 or older.”

One month is not enough notice. Can you move the date after the next school holidays?
“We understand that this change may be upsetting or frustrating. We are not able to provide any exceptions or policy change delays.”