BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Starting from September 1, commuters can count on compensation from Belgian rail company NMBS-SNCB if they encounter delays.

    The scheme is the result of an agreement reached by the NMBS-SNCB with the government in its administration contract.

    Under the contract, commuters who encounter delays of at least 25 times in six months on the same railway will be qualified for compensation. Each time delay will be at least 15 minutes.

    The amount of compensation is 10 percent of the price of the ticket purchased, with a minimum of 2.50 euros (about 3 U.S. dollars).

    The commuter will need to record the delays on a special form over a period of six months. At the end of that period, the commuter will need to lodge the form with the NMBS-SNCB along with the original tickets.

    Commuters who are delayed by at least two hours must submit their claim for compensation within 15 days. They will be paid a maximum of 50 percent of the price of their ticket.

    However, compensation will not be paid for pre-announced delays or strikes. Delays caused by natural disasters or extremely bad weather will not be compensated.

    The NMBS-SNCB expects between 80,000 and 100,000 commuters will be paid compensation each year. Enditem