The bus system really isn't so bad. Some lines run often. If you live off Broadway (really nice, walkable area surrounding that road) for example the bus there runs every 15 minutes so even if one's late it's not the end of the world.

That brings you right downtown. Once you need to start transferring it can get annoying. But the transit app has live tracking and is super helpful.

I have a stop right out front of my apartment so I just check the app before bothering walking out.