Fylde 3

The Optare Delta was one of a number of new single deck buses that were launched after deregulation. Leyland had replaced the National with the Lynx and the innovative and stylish Optare developed the Delta on the DAF SB220 chassis. Scania, Renault and Volvo also developed new models. Both Blackpool and Fylde turned to the Delta after evaluation of various types with the former buying 28 from 1990 to 1993 while Fylde bought just three. They arrived in April 1993 and entered service the following month, appropriately numbered 1-3 (H1-3FBT) using specially purchased 'select' registrations.
Their main work was on trunk routes 11/11A (Cleveleys - Blackpool - Lytham) and they saw virtually daily use on these routes initially, but following the consolidation of services following Blackpool Transport takeover in 1994, the Deltas strayed onto other routes and were repainted in green & cream livery.

They returned to the 11/11A in February 1999 along with several new to Blackpool examples. The fleet was unified in April 1999 when Squires Gate depot closing. They now saw use on the 6 and 12 as well as the 11/11A in September 1997.

Blackpool started refurbishing its Deltas in 1999 and had treated ten before turning to the Fylde examples. 3 - by now Blackpool Transport 133 - was treated between August and November 2000 with sisters 132 and 131 following. All were repainted green and cream and down seated from 48 to 46. Rear number blinds were also fitted but side ones were removed - to match the bulk of the mainstream Blackpool Transport Deltas (nos.101-130).  

The Metro network of April 2001 saw Deltas operate the 6, 7 and 11 with 131-3 repainted in the yellow, mustard & grey 'pool' livery in April/May that allowed them to operate on all services. Later, however, in October 2002 all three of the ex-Fylde examples received turquoise and yellow with route branding for Line 11 - a fitting home for the trio.

133 was the last of the Fylde trio to remain in service, being withdrawn in September 2010. It was placed in store and passed to LTT in October 2011 for preservation and will be restored to its smart two-tone blue livery.