Transit was brought up three different times, in very different ways.
On the first, I have to strongly disagree with the Mayor’s claim of DDOT improvement:
"We have made strides in improving our City bus system. Innovative programs have been implemented in order to provide good customer service. For example, DDOT‘s 415 Plan guarantees the arrival of a bus every fifteen minutes on its four busiest routes. . . . As a result of these innovations, DDOT has experienced a significant reduction in customer complaints and ridership remains steady."
The buses on the 415 Plan are no more reliable than any other buses in the city, with just 67% showing up on time. How is that innovative, good customer service, or a guarantee?
Second, he touted the creation of the new RTA and M-1 Rail, although didn’t say much new:
- "Construction on the M-1 Rail project is scheduled to start this summer. By 2015, residents and visitors will have a new option for travelling between Downtown, Midtown and the New Center areas. The 3.3-mile streetcar line will create jobs, drive economic growth, and revitalize the historic Woodward Avenue corridor."
- "Both the M-1 Rail and Regional Transportation Authority represent bold and progressive changes for the Motor City."
The third transit mention was the biggest transit news of the night: 
- "Tonight, I am proud to announce my appointment to the Regional Transportation Authority Board. She is a lifetime resident of Detroit and represents an underserved population as President of Warriors on Wheels. Ladies and gentlemen, please recognize and thank Lisa Franklin for accepting this appointment."
This was a huge surprise and I applaud the Mayor’s appointment of a strong transit supporter with deep community roots and a passion for the transit needs of people with disabilities.
For more about Lisa’s work: 
http://wow4metrodetroit.weebly.com/
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/08/31/disabled-detroiters-fed-up-with-poor-bus-service/
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2011/12/detr-d31.html
Absent from the speech was any real positive vision for improving the City or its transit system, or any real plans from the Mayor. Whether that is because the City is about to be taken over by an Emergency Manager or because the Mayor is too wrapped up in financial crises to look forward, it is a shame and a missed opportunity.