Commuter Rail Delays Blamed On Slippery Leaves

BOSTON (CBS) – Wondering why your train is running late? Blame it on the leaves.

Commuter Rail operator Keolis says slippery rail conditions are forcing trains to take it slow.

Delays were reported on the Worcester, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Middleboro, Fairmount, Neeedham and Providence lines Monday morning.

According to Keolis, slippery rails are not unusual this time of year. Leaves hitting the tracks are turned into a very slippery sludge from trains running over them, a Keolis spokeswoman said.

Workers are using high pressure washers, sand and a gritty gel on the tracks to try and combat the problem.