I don't even really know where to begin with this review. I guess the most sensical thing to do with such a nonsensical transit system is a pros and cons list. (If nothing it will be the quickest and least painful for me and for you, my dear sweet reader.)
Pros -
It is rare to find I can't get a bus to a place I want to go. Truth be told I don't leave the city a whole lot, but anytime I want to get somewhere with some leg work I can find a bus to take me where I want.
My morning bus (especially the insanely early 5am 86 from Bloomfield to work and the gym downtown) is almost always on time.
Cons -
It's a known fact that the last 54 from the Southside to the East End/Oakland/Etc rarely to never comes and the "last one" is NOT late enough to be considered an after the bars options to get home.
It's pretty common for the buses to either be a full 15 min early or 10 min late.
I've seen more than one person pee themselves.
I've had a bus driver just plain ignore my request for a stop and then ignore ME while I'm telling them as much.
PACKED buses and constantly cutting routes and trips.
Dirty buses. I've seen a dirty diaper or two.
I don't own a car so it's really my only mode of transportation since we can catch cabs here like in a normal city. I'd be lost without it, but it could be much much much better.