short distance east of the station, next to the line to Guide Bridge. This opened in 2014 (one of 11 such centres either built or being planned in the UK) and will eventually control signalling across most of the routes across the North West England, including the northern end of the West Coast Main Line and the entire Manchester area network. Future Under the Greater Manchester TIF programme, Ashburys would have received improvements. However, despite TIF not going ahead, it is still to receive safety, security and passenger information improvements, when funding can be obtained. Other long term proposals include the Manchester - Marple Tram Train scheme, which was on a 'reserve list' of TIF schemes. Significant new infrastructure works would be required between Piccadilly and Ashburys station, known as 'Piccadilly Link'. It would be incorporated within a major mixed-use development by Grangefield Estates, known as 'Chancellor Place', around the former Mayfield Station site. Facilities The station is unstaffed and has no permanent buildings (other than standard waiting shelters) or ticket provision, so all tickets must be bought on the train or prior to travel. Train running information is provided by digital display screens and timetable posters. No step-free access is available, as the station is above street level and the only access offered is via staircase and footbridge. This is the nearest station to Manchester City's stadium City of Manchester Stadium as it is a 15-20 minute walk. Services Today, Ashburys is a station with two platforms served by half-hourly trains between and , plus certain services toward and . Other services frequently pass through the station without stopping. The station is operated by Northern Trains. Notes References Radford, B., (1988) Midland Though The Peak Unicorn Books Station on navigable O. S. map External links 1936 aerial view of station and street entrance Railway stations in Manchester DfT Category F2 stations Former Great Central Railway stations Northern franchise railway stations Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1855