For its Electronic Road Pricing, real-time traffic information systems, and transport initiatives like free early-morning train rides before peak hours, Singapore has received one of ten inaugural City Climate Leadership awards.

The awards are given out by Siemens and the C40 network of cities working to combat climate change.

Award categories range from urban transport to air quality to intelligent city infrastructure, which Singapore won.

Land Transport Authority chief transportation engineer Dr Chin Kian Keong, who helped develop the national road pricing system, received the award on behalf of Singapore at a ceremony in London on Wednesday night (Thursday morning Singapore time).

Mr Lothar Hermann, chief executive of Siemens Singapore, commended the city on its transport success, as it is one of the least congested cities in the world compared to London or Tokyo, for example.

He also cited transport authorities' investments in future MRT expansion and their willingness to consult with private and public stakeholders as strengths.

In recent years, overcrowded trains have drawn public criticism, but new projects such as the upcoming Downtown Line are meant to ease crowding.