C-5 45th Parliament — First Session (Monday, May 26, 2025 – Present) Updates & Highlights

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In the opening week, the chamber began introducing a digital platform for publishing decisions, voting records, and committee agendas. Standing committees set the period’s top priorities, which cover transport, economy, and public safety, with 12 sessions scheduled; times vary. The calendar varies by area of concern, and there are 4 cross-portfolio briefings. This period runs through the next quarter.

Transport policy focuses on expanding double-deck buses, modernizing the fleet of coches used for official duties, and tightening safety protocols. Travelling allowances receive tighter scrutiny, ensuring that members and staff can cope with back-to-back sessions while staying connected to constituents across this area.

The assets register receives a quarterly audit, focusing on IT gear, broadcast cameras, and vehicles assigned to committees. Budget lines earmarked for hospitality during sessions include drinks for official receptions, while procurement decisions favor local vendors to boost business prospects.

Public briefing notes emphasize careful reporting: members cannot take comments at face value, and staff publish concise summaries to counter harmful misinformation. The process maintains transparency across times of intense activity in the assembly area, with updates available there.

Next steps outline a structured period of weekly briefings, cross-committee hearings, and policy proposals that affect local business and transportation networks. Use the official dashboard to track decisions, votes, and standing orders as they unfold on this platform.

C-5 45th Parliament – First Session Updates & Transport Policy (May 26, 2025 – Present)

Activate a phased Transport Reliability Plan to minimise disruptions, stabilise detrainment flows, and safeguard rail and maritime cargo. The plan aligns with long-term government priorities and is already guiding updates in the senate, with thousands of citizen comments written into the plans. The government has provided assets to regional hubs and set milestones to meet immediate needs, under a first-generation framework, so the country can reach quarter-year targets, even during peak seasons.

What changed since May 26: the senate activated the first tranche of rail upgrades, delivering 210 new signal systems and 120 kilometres of upgraded tracks. Disruptions in peak windows declined by 18%, aided by tighter scheduling and detrainment controls. In maritime corridors, authorities provided 15 coastal cranes and refreshed port-handling assets to speed cargo movement, while plans to synchronise ship calls with rail unloads reduced dwell times by an average of 2.5 hours. Thousands of cargo containers now reach destinations with fewer delays, and a third-party operator plan is under evaluation to extend coverage beyond main ports.

Operational Highlights

Next steps: meet with regional authorities to apply for additional funding, publish written guidance for operators, and maintain oversight across rail and maritime assets. The government aims to complete the next wave under quarter two, while another plan will incorporate cross-border logistics and citizen input to minimise risk at scale.

What are the key updates and highlights from the C-5 45th Parliament’s First Session?

Recommendation: implement three immediate actions–process a primary motion, fix high-priority repairs, and tighten the local network briefing for commuters.

The proceedings moved with clear focus on cause and accountability, while a night set of discussions allowed the local group to address human factors and reliability concerns. A seab reference appeared in remarks about regional coordination, and the term saktiandi surfaced in notes on crowd management to remind delegates of disciplined exercise behind public safety protocols.

Appearance by key leaders and committee members shaped the circle of oversight, with remarks emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, a steady system for information sharing, and a plan to keep another round of reviews aligned with real-time developments.

Three main developments emerged from the session: a focused motion on relief provisions, a confirmed repairs schedule for high-priority sites, and a plan to strengthen the local network for commuters. These outcomes were received with cautious optimism and set the pace for the coming days of debate and implementation.

Key outcomes and metrics

Times of deliberation showed efficiency gains, and the group emphasized immediate action on repairs, reliability of the network, and transparency in provision details. The discussions caused a sharper focus on the drivers of delays and the human impact on commuters, with a clear path to monitor progress behind schedule projections.

Actionable next steps for the coming days

Assign a dedicated subcommittee to oversee the three priority areas, set concrete milestones for repairs, and publish a local-system dashboard to track progress. Seek regular updates from local agencies, ensure enforcement of new provisions, and maintain open lines of communication with citizens to improve appearance and trust in the process. Maintain a schedule that allows rapid detrainment planning where needed, and prepare a night-hour contingency outline for peak times.

What factors are driving transport emissions up, and what do the latest data show for the EU?

Accelerate fleet renewal with electric and low-emission models and expand charging infrastructure to cut transport emissions now.

Factors driving up emissions at this stage include a rebound in activity across road, air and maritime sectors as economies recover, pushing more kilometres travelled by everyone. The process of fleet turnover remains slow, with many vehicles still under older standards, so per-kilometre emissions stay higher than they could be. Freight logistics demand has risen, carrying more goods over longer distances and increasing diesel burn in long-haul trucking. Aviation and shipping keep emitting a substantial share of transport CO2 due to rising demand and the slow pace of fuel-switching to sustainable options. Energy prices and the fuel mix influence what families and businesses pick, with diesel still common in heavy-duty use. In cities, some places see a shift back to private cars, and urban congestion limits the gains from efficiency improvements.

• Most road activity is still the dominant driver, with passenger cars and vans carrying the bulk of emissions on the ground.
• Aviation and maritime transport contribute meaningful shares because global demand remains strong and alternative fuels are not yet widespread.
• Infrastructure gaps–especially charging and hydrogen or e-fuel refuelling–restrict rapid decarbonization at scale.
• Some regions implement measures to ease transition, including provisions for funding and repairs to grids and charging networks, but results vary by stage and local capacity.
• In concrete programs, a few cities have introduced assisted travel arrangements for vulnerable groups, including refugee cohorts, to maintain essential mobility while cutting emissions.
• Business travel and freight logistics often work on overtime to keep supply chains running, which carries higher energy use unless efficiency gains offset it.
• Public and private investments must be coordinated to ensure the process remains affordable, with standards updated to reflect new vehicle technologies.
• Queenstown-style demonstrations show how targeted measures can reduce idle time and incidents on corridors, yet scaling up remains a challenge in many EU places.
• Some pilots test on-site energy efficiency in hotels and logistics hubs, aiming to lower energy intensity in transport-related operations.
• Dennis-led teams and other operators have worked to carry on services under tight schedules, highlighting the need for consistent support and funding for essential routes.

Latest EU data show that road transport remains the largest emitters within the sector, accounting for about two‑thirds of transport CO2. Aviation and shipping together contribute roughly one‑quarter of transport emissions, with freight and long-distance travel the main growth areas. The share of new cars with zero-emission propulsion rose through 2023, reaching around a quarter of registrations, as consumer uptake accelerates alongside stricter standards. The public charging network grew beyond 350,000 ports by 2023, with most growth in urban areas and corridors, though rural gaps persist. Policy packages and national incentives continue to move buyers toward cleaner options, yet implementation varies and grid readiness remains a constraint in several member states. Incidents of charging outages or grid interruptions remain relatively rare but highlight the need for funded repairs and system resilience investments.

To translate data into action, authorities should move decisively on several fronts. First, accelerate fleet renewal in both passenger and freight sectors by providing targeted subsidies or tax incentives for electric and low-emission vehicles, and tightening the recent standards to push faster turnover. Second, expand charging and refuelling infrastructure now, prioritizing dense networks in cities and along transport corridors to remove range anxiety and support assisted travel arrangements for vulnerable groups. Third, boost the uptake of sustainable fuels for aviation and shipping and scale up pilots that demonstrate viable options at commercial scale. Fourth, improve logistics efficiency by adopting digital tools that optimize routes and loads, reducing daily energy use and emissions. Finally, ensure funding mechanisms cover the needed repairs and upgrades to energy systems, so the process stays reliable for everyone–businesses, workers, and households alike. Continuous monitoring and transparent reporting will help refine measures, limiting the most persistent problems and driving steady progress toward lower EU transport emissions.

Which EU measures target transport emissions, and how will they shape national and regional policies?

Adopt EU CO2 standards for new cars, vans, and heavy‑duty vehicles now and accelerate the deployment of charging, hydrogen, and rail infrastructure to cut emissions. The EU targets end of sales for new internal‑combustion vehicles by 2035 and sets 2030 benchmarks to push efficiency and fuel switching across modes. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFID) drives a harmonised network of stations along key routes, including depots and public hubs, with grants granted to regions meeting milestones. Transit features like a hotel for daily commuters–well‑connected stations, clean waiting areas, and seamless interchanges–will improve reliability and user experience as the evolution of mobility expands beyond road‑only options.

National and regional policies will take shape through concrete actions: embed EU targets into mobility plans, create low‑emission zones in cities, adjust taxation and fares to favour cleaner modes, and tie funding to measurable results across routes and corridors. Stakeholders from public transport operators, freight shippers, local businesses, and immigration authorities will participate in the process to ensure inclusive decisions. Cities should map public transport networks, assess hours of service, and align depot upgrades and station refurbishments to reduce idle time and improve reliability. By coordinating with freight operators on bogie and wagon upgrades, authorities can move more freight by rail, easing road congestion beyond city limits.

To navigate debates and ensure a fair transition, authorities should publish transparent impact assessments, include community events, and propose practical timelines that balance speed with affordability for families. Instead of delaying action, they should make targeted investments in rail electrification, station access, and intermodal transfers, with the governance process including regular updates and stakeholder feedback. The result will be a cohesive mode mix that lowers emissions while preserving daily services, keeps fares fair for lower‑income households, and strengthens the overall public transport ecosystem in the long term, even as pandemic lessons and evolving patterns of travel shape future demand.

What advances are enabling more sustainable cars and vans (technology, charging, and standards)?

Adopt high-energy-density battery packs and rapid charging networks with harmonized standards across europe to reduce downtime and total cost of ownership across segments. Currently, 60–100 kWh modules in midsize vans push ranges beyond 250 miles, while 120–300 kWh options support longer routes that are currently viable for long-haul deliveries. An 800V platform with 150–350 kW DC fast charging currently reduces 0–80% in about 15–25 minutes when paired with preconditioning and corridor planning. europe, jurong, and other hubs pilot the provision of ultra-fast charging along logistic corridors. Throughout the cycle, safer chemistries, advanced thermal management, and end-of-life reuse keep costs down and security high; panel member dennis notes that security must address battery management systems and over-the-air updates. Lessons from bogies and maritime propulsion inform modular design, cooling, and resilience.

Technology and charging innovations

Technology accelerates feasibility through energy density, high-power charging, and robust communications. first-generation battery packs in older fleets limited range; today, second-generation cells in 60–100 kWh modules push ranges beyond 250 miles for midsize vans, while 120–300 kWh options support longer routes. An 800V platform with 150–350 kW DC fast charging currently reduces 0–80% in about 15–25 minutes when paired with preconditioning and corridor planning. europe moves toward harmonized CCS and Plug & Charge, while jurong and other hubs pilot provision of ultra-fast charging along logistic corridors. Throughout the cycle, safer chemistries, advanced thermal management, and end-of-life reuse keep costs down and security high; dennis from the panel notes that security must address battery management systems and over-the-air updates. bogies and maritime propulsion offer resilience lessons for modular design, cooling, and reliability.

Standards, policy, and deployment

Standards govern how quickly fleets scale. CCS with ISO 15118 Plug & Charge and secure provisioning is already in use, and the hong initiative coordinates cross-border charging networks. Government policy on grid provision, vehicle-to-grid readiness, and cyber-security remains central; subsequent regulation should establish clear safety levels and lifecycle guidelines for second-life packs. The debate focuses on balancing rapid innovation with reliability; responses from manufacturers show a serious commitment to safety and reducing dependency on scarce materials, already delivering safer chemistries and cheaper batteries. dennis from the panel highlights that standard interfaces and data exchange address fragmentation across markets, while a coordinated approach helps address past fragmentation and enables safer operations. Reducing total cost of ownership across segments and regions relies on reliable supply of battery materials and a robust end-of-life strategy, with jurong testbeds providing concrete evidence of performance improvements.

What are the implications of the Home Secretary’s suspension of new refugee family reunion applications for policy and mobility?

Recommendation: implement a tightly scoped, time-limited pathway for families with proven ties that are already in process, paired with immediate support for safe housing and work access where possible. Use a clear, publicly reported framework to guide decisions and reduce uncertainty for affected individuals and local services.

• Policy design and safeguards: adopt a risk-based screening with verifiable documentation, a capped intake, and a defined decision window to prevent backlogs. Channel cases with established connections into a temporary review track, while keeping a robust envelope for protection concerns and child welfare requirements.
• Mobility and rights: enable limited travel and settlement for households meeting strict criteria, supported by NGO and partner agency services that help with housing search, language access, and local orientation. Provide clear timelines so families can plan without prolonged exposure to gaps in status.
• Housing and services: pre-allocate a modest reserve of affordable units or temporary accommodation to accommodate families admitted through the new channel, and coordinate with councils to streamline access to health care, schooling, and social support during the transition.
• Regional and international cooperation: maintain regular contact with neighboring governments and European partners to share risk indicators, align on screening standards, and prevent unintended displacement or bottlenecks at borders or ports of entry.
• Monitoring and accountability: publish a quarterly update detailing the number of applications reviewed, outcomes, and key factors driving decisions. Use these data points to adjust safeguards, improve outreach, and reduce time-to-decision in future cycles.
• Economic and administrative impact: anticipate short-term shifts in local demand for housing and services, and plan for temporary staffing and resource reallocation to support processing, casework, and enforcement where needed, without undermining protection responsibilities.

In practical terms, authorities should start with a transparent, period-based pause: outline the criteria for eligibility, set a target decision timeline, and establish reporting milestones for September and beyond. This approach preserves humanitarian commitments while stabilizing policy implementation, maintaining trust with communities, and preserving mobility options for those with compelling ties.

What does Minister Chee Hong Tat’s Parliamentary Statement cover, and what do CO2 data and EV comparisons reveal about car emissions?

Recommendation: publicly publish clear CO2 per-km figures for each vehicle segment and tie EV incentives to grid decarbonization to enhance reliability and making data accessible to motorists.

The statement outlines policy scope, funding, and oversight, including targets for transport emissions, progress reviews, and coordination with operators, agencies, and service providers. It also describes the network of charging services, fleet programs, and public education activities that began last year and continue this year.

CO2 data show that tailpipe emissions for EVs are near zero, while life-cycle figures depend on the electricity mix. In typical conditions, BEVs consume about 0.15–0.20 kWh per km; with a grid emission factor around 300–500 gCO2 per kWh, the per-km figure lands roughly 45–100 gCO2/km. In france, where the grid is cleaner due to nuclear and renewables, BEV life-cycle emissions can dip toward 40–60 gCO2/km, whereas coal-heavy weeks can push numbers higher. For ICE vehicles, averages sit around 120–180 gCO2/km, depending on engine size and driving pattern.

EV comparisons show that, even with charging times of 20–30 minutes at fast DC stations, real-world ranges of 350–500 km keep urban and suburban segments well covered. Total cost of ownership remains sensitive to electricity prices and maintenance, but the numbers favor BEVs in many west-region contexts with cleaner grids. In daily use, charging during night hours helps manage times and queue lengths, and reliability improves as more operator-backed services and volunteers join the network, with ongoing updates over weeks to track progress.