COMMUTER'S *DELAY SCARF*

GERMANY'S biggest rail company, under fire for its unpunctual service, is trying to mollify one  disgruntled commuter by buying her ''delay scarf''.

Deutsche Bahn, which last Thursday announced plans to hire 22,000  more staff, bought the hand-made scarf in an online auction for 7,500 Euros [$8,600].

The money is being donated to charity for the homeless.

According to her daughter, Sara Weber, the Munich commuter had knitted the grey, pink and red scarf last year, with each color reflecting the amount of time her journey had been delayed.