Councillor Shona Johnstone, vice-chairman of the Local Government Association's economy and transport programme board, said the announcement was a "step in the right direction".
He added that 70% of the current planned transport spending programme will be invested in public transport, helping to cut the number of single car journeys.
BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Public have say on climate change
David Begg, a transport academic, who is convener of the city's transport committee, has well-advanced plans for an ambitious public-transport infrastructure programme.
The other review will look into the wider Department for Transport rail franchise programme, and will be overseen by Eurostar chairman Richard Brown.
The first minister said the forthcoming Transport Bill will aim to "continue our modernisation programme for Scotland's transport system".
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The army is to be deployed to provide transport and other logistical support for the resettlement programme, the television reported.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said it was a "rolling programme" but said passengers would start to see the benefits "within the next few months".
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union says the number of attacks on transport staff is on the rise, and is embarking on a programme of trying to persuade employers to take action to avoid provoking public anger.
Responding to the debate, Minister for Transport and Economy Ieuan Wyn Jones AM outlined the priorities for the recently announced Economic Renewal Programme (ERP).
One of the freighters has been chartered by the UN World Food Programme to bring in food aid, which is the biggest earner for local transport contractors.
During his tenure voters have approved tax increases for an expansion of the light-rail transport system (2004), a new justice centre (2005), and a voucher programme for pre-school education (2006).
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