TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei City Department of Civil Affairs said Thursday it plans to raise the transportation allowance for mediation committee members from NT$1,000 (US$34) to NT$1,500 per session, in recognition of their role in resolving local disputes

The proposal will be submitted to Taipei City Council at the upcoming legislative session. If approved, it could take effect as early as next year, according to CNA.

Mediated agreements carry the same legal weight as court judgments and generally bar the parties from further litigation on the same matter. It plays a key role in Taiwan’s legal system as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, allowing parties to settle civil and certain criminal disputes outside of court through the assistance of a neutral third party, according to LawPlayer.

According to the department, Taipei achieved a mediation success rate of 77.59% last year. Out of 6,591 mediation cases handled, 5,114 were resolved.

The city credited the efforts of its 177 mediation committee members for this achievement.

The department stated that the planned increase in allowance reflects the city’s appreciation for the committee members’ dedication to fostering community harmony and reducing the burden on the judicial system.