FIRST North Western will continue to run trains through Bolton for up to six months due to a hitch with the new rail operator.
Serco-Ned was announced as the preferred bidder to take over the Northern franchise and they were expected to run trains from October 17.
But Serco has failed to agree a contract with the Strategic Rail Authority.
First North Western will run trains for an extra one to six months.
The new northern franchise will be one of the biggest in the country, covering 475 stations from Manchester to Newcastle.
First North Western bidded for the contract but lost to the Dutch firm. Serco will eventually run the franchise for eight years and nine months, with the final two years depending on them achieving performance targets.
Serco is best known for operating the Metrolink trams in Manchester.
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