New bus service to support residents to access Omega West employment opportunities

Article date: 28 January 2026

Commissioned by Merseytravel, and to be operated by Warrington's Own Buses, the new 922 service will build on the success of the existing 921 route that was introduced in January 2025. The expanded network will enable residents in even more communities to travel directly to the site using public transport.  

The existing 921 service, which is operated by Howard's Travel, begins at Gillars Green in Eccleston and serves St Helens town centre, Sutton and Parr, operates daily in line with shift patterns at the Omega site.  

The new 922 route will run to a similar timetable, but starting in Rainhill and linking Thatto Heath, Clock Face and Sutton Manor directly to the business park. Both routes incorporate connections to rail stations and other bus services, broadening the catchment area and improving access for residents across the borough. 

A £750,000 contribution from the site's developer and owners, secured by St Helens Borough Council through a Section 106 agreement during the planning process, has made both bus services possible. The legally binding agreement required the developer to improve public transport access to the site and help St Helens residents to benefit from the significant employment opportunities available. 

Omega West, which last year celebrated the completion of its fourth and final unit, is home to businesses such as GXO (Iceland), TJ Morris (Homes Bargains) and Regency Glass. It forms part of the wider Omega development that comprises a large part of the former Burtonwood Airbase and is now home to thousands of jobs with occupiers including Amazon, The Hut Group and ASDA amongst many others.  

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council, said: 

"Our support for the development of sites such as Omega West is opening up new, well paid jobs and it is vital that the people of St Helens Borough are at the front of the line for these opportunities - a core part of our Inclusive Growth Strategy. By connecting more of our communities to the site with the provision of reliable public transport options we are giving even more residents access to high value employment opportunities." 

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council said:  

"Omega West is a prime example of the ambitious plans we as a Council have to deliver regeneration schemes that maximise the economic and social outcomes for the residents of St Helens. Developments such as this are offering real opportunities for the people of our Borough and I am delighted that even more of our communities will now have direct access to this site with the introduction of the new 922 bus service." 

Councillor Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Transport Committee at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:  

"We're delighted to be working with partners to roll out the new 922 service, which will build on the success of the 921 route and help support jobs and opportunities at the vital Omega West development. 

"Buses are the backbone of the public transport network across the Liverpool City Region and in St Helens in particular - with tens of thousands of residents every day using the bus to travel to work, school and college, to the shops or to see family and friends. 

"We need a bus service that is affordable, reliable and works for everyone in our region, which is why Mayor Rotheram has committed to radically improving services across every borough." 

Speaking of how the 921 bus service has supported their business Gary Fraser-McCluskey, Recruitment Advisor - Logistics at TJ Morris said:  

"The 921 bus route has significantly improved access to employment for non-drivers, opening up job opportunities that were previously out of reach. By connecting local people to key areas of employment, the bus service has improved available transport options, enabling them to pursue roles that they might otherwise have been unable to access. The introduction of the new 922 route will further enhance mobility and support local job growth and career development in the area." 

Andy Rigby, Head of Commercial, Warrington's Own Buses added:  

"We are excited to launch the new 922 bus service to Omega, operating with our new electric buses. This investment enables us to provide a high quality and reliable service, while supporting cleaner, more sustainable travel across the region."

The 922 route will launch on 1 February 2026 and will operate seven days a week. A full timetable can be found on the Merseytravel website here