The idea behind BPT is very simple. Each month, normally on a third Thursday we use our Concessionary Bus Pass to travel to an enjoyable destination. If you do not have a bus pass you will need to pay the full fares.

In Wales at the age of 60, you can obtain free use of all local bus travel throughout Wales using this pass. Please be aware that your bus pass cannot be used on coach services such as National Express or Megabus.

You can however use your bus pass to travel limited distances into England and back; for example to Bristol or Hereford.

Those taking part in any of the BPThursdays do so as a member of the group. We stay together throughout the day taking part in the each of the trip segments.

We catch a bus to our destination normally from central Cardiff, but be aware that the starting time will vary according to bus time tables. Normally this is between 8.45 and 9.30am

We then have coffee en route to the destination or when we arrive at it.

We enjoy what the destination has to offer.

Lunch is taken as a group.

We catch a bus home. No particular time can be set for arriving back in Cardiff as we are dependent on bus time tables but would normally be between 4.00 and 6.00 pm.

This group is open to current Cardiff u3a members who have joined the BPT group at least a month before applying to come on any of the BPT trips. BPT does NOT offer a ‘taster trip’ as many other groups do.

There is no monthly group fee but please be aware that taking part in a BPT can be relatively expensive, after all cream cakes do not come cheaply with your coffee!

You can join online via the Cardiff u3a website by sending a request to the BPT convenor at Contact us – Cardiff u3a

The convenor will send out an email to all members of the group. This will include outline details sufficient for each member to decide if they wish to come on that trip.

This is done by individual members emailing the convenor according to the instructions given in the inviting email.

The maximum number on each trip are determined according to several variables including establishment capacities for coffee, lunch and numbers allowed into attractions. Importantly, the capacity of the buses is of major consideration!

If the number applying exceeds this maximum number a reserve list will be opened. Applications are listed strictly in the order they are received by email. If a cancellation occurs then members on the reserve list will be offered a place.

Each BPT trip has been chosen to make our day out as enjoyable as possible.

Venues are chosen carefully. We have, in the past enjoyed ourselves visiting castles, heritage sites, cathedrals, the seaside, cultural exhibitions, museums, industrial heritage sites. Towns and cities too, with these often offering excellent shopping opportunities.

Both the travel and destinations are carefully researched before each BPT takes place. The convenor will travel on the chosen bus or buses to the destination to ensure the timetable of each bus company is accurate, the bus stops actually exist and importantly, the seating capacity of the buses. Coffee shops are visited as are lunch venues to ensure they reach a good standard. The destinations attraction, e.g. a castle are visited and group entry arranged where necessary. Sometimes there will be admission charges which are paid on the day to the attraction. CADW sites are free entry for our group under an educational arrangement. Destinations are assessed for ease of access, toilets and internal accessibility.

The length and time taken to get to coffee, lunch venues and attractions are noted.

General accessibility including pavement walking is assessed and considered and the safe crossing points of roads are decided. Should underfoot surfaces be less than straight forward note is taken of them and BPT members are informed of these during the booking process for each trip. An example being walking on grassy slopes when visiting CADW sites. It is then up to individual members of the group to make their own assessment of their ability to walk safely.

The conclusions reached by the convenor for each of the trips will be included in the BPT trip notice. It is up to individual members to decide, perhaps with discussions if any particular trip is suitable for them.

Many of the BPT trips are not suitable for wheelchair access. This however does not preclude any Cardiff u3a/BPT member applying to join in a trip. Individual discussion between the convenor and the member prior to a trip BUT NOT ON THE DAY will determine suitability.