Launched in November 1985, it was fitted to the Volkswagen LT55 chassis.

[1] A total of 294 were manufactured, with London Regional Transport purchasing 52.

[2][3] Its prominent feature was its large one-piece front windscreen, with large triangular quarterlights giving the impression that it wrapped around the sides of the body.

[3] The CityPacer was supplemented but not replaced by the StarRider, based on the Mercedes-Benz 811D chassis.

Both were replaced by the integral Optare MetroRider, which had been a competing design from Metro Cammell Weymann before Optare bought the rights to the design.