Built in Leeds, this 47 seater vehicle was first registered on 15th May 1990. It was one of 324 of the type built, but one of only three acquired for Fylde Borough Transport (Blue Buses) and based at their Squires Gate Depot. Neighbouring Blackpool Transport Services Ltd ordered and operated 31 of this vehicle type and was joined by the ‘Blues 3’ in 1996 when BTS took over and absorbed the Blue Buses operation.
H3 FBT (or No.3), renumbered 133 in the BTS fleet, was the last bus to be painted at Squires Gate Depot before closure, and was treated to a complete overhaul in 2000 which included new seat moquette, laminate panelling to replace the original spec grey carpeted panels (& ceiling!) and also the addition of a route number box above the rear window.
133 last ran in revenue-earning public service on Route (Line) 14 on 4th September 2010, after which it entered preservation. Visit Flickr; search H3 FBT for some superb photos of the vehicle and to see the various liveries which it carried. 133 will not be a shy vehicle on the road and will be running and attending Rallies both in the North West and North of the Border.
Photographs
Do you have a memory of this vehicle?
Perhaps you travelled on it, saw it at work, or know part of its story we have not yet recorded. Use the comments section below to share what you remember – every detail helps build a richer picture of Glasgow’s transport history.
- Registration
- H3 FBT
- Chassis type
- DAF SB220LC550
- Chassis number
- XLVDE02LT0H000008
- Body type and seating
- Optare Delta DP46F
- Body number
- 5152
- Date new
- 1 May 1990
- Original operator
- Fylde Borough Transport (3)