It’s been a groundbreaking year for transportation across the state, both literally and figuratively. Detroit finally has a regional transit authority and is moving ahead with transit along Woodward. Transit entrepreneurs have sprung up to fill gaps, and citizens stood up against highway expansion. More bicycles are on the streets -- and on the manufacturing floor -- than ever before. (Or at least since Detroit was dubbed the Motor City.)

So there's a lot to celebrate during this year's Michigan Transportation Odyssey -- a two-day adventure across Michigan using public transportation, Sept. 25-27, presented by Trans4M. There are also miles to go before we sleep. Which is why we need all your creative minds and transit-loving hearts to keep the momentum going.

Please join us Friday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. at the Park Bar, 2040 Park Avenue in downtown Detroit to culminate the Odyssey with a special happy hour and conversation about "outside the box" thinking to better connect our city, region and state.

We have a great line-up, including:

Kelli Kavanaugh, Wheelhouse Detroit/Tour de Troit; Andy Didorosi, The Detroit Bus Company; Leah Groya, livingLAB Detroit; RJ Wolney, Rock Ventures; Kyle Bartell, Sit on It Detroit; Jela Ellefson, Eastern Market Corporation; and Ansgar Strother, A2B Bikeshare.

Come mingle with transit leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs as we take a look toward the future. We'll be upstairs on the second floor.

This event is hosted in partnership with the Michigan Environmental Council. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!

To learn more about the Michigan Transportation Odyssey, follow along on their website, Facebook and Twitter @MIOdyssey13.