Northern has warned that disruption is predicted all through at the moment throughout its community, with companies by Bolton amongst these affected.
The operator stated it’s nonetheless advising prospects to “examine earlier than you journey” due to the persevering with impression of latest climate and vital leaf fall, which has resulted in slippery rails throughout components of the community.
Routes serving Bolton have seen cancellations and delays, together with companies in the direction of Blackburn, Rochdale, Manchester Airport and Manchester Oxford Street.
Some TransPennine Categorical companies have additionally been affected.
A spokesperson for Northern stated: “We’re nonetheless advising prospects to examine earlier than you journey this morning, because of the impression of the climate and vital leaf fall leading to slippery rails throughout the community.”
The rail operator has apologised to passengers and stated it’s working to revive companies as shortly and safely as doable.
Whereas it could appear stunning that leaves may cause such widespread disruption, compressed leaf mulch can create a black ice-like coating on railway strains.
The slippery floor could make it tougher for trains to brake and speed up and may have an effect on trackside gear used to watch the railway.
Each autumn, Community Rail carries out in depth work to deal with the difficulty.
This 12 months, seven specialist “leaf-busting” trains have been deployed throughout the North West, utilizing high-pressure water jets to clear leaf particles earlier than making use of a traction gel to enhance grip between prepare wheels and rails.
The fleet is predicted to cowl greater than 100,000 miles of monitor in the course of the autumn season.
Louise Tilly, Community Rail’s North West seasons supply supervisor, beforehand stated: “Whereas leaves on the road may not seem to be a serious concern, this can be a downside that causes disruption and inconvenience for passengers and freight trains yearly.
“Our fleet of leaf busting trains cowl an enormous space of the railway blasting leaves off the tracks and laying down a traction gel to assist trains travelling in these troublesome circumstances.”
Northern has lifted ticket restrictions in affected areas in the course of the disruption and is urging passengers to examine the most recent journey info earlier than setting off.