I am a fan of the light rail. It's the easiest way to get downtown and avoid all the traffic and parking nightmare. For 4 bucks you can get an all day pass and ride any city transit all day with unlimited transfers. There are kiosks at the stops. You do meet a lot of interesting characters on the light rail, most are harmless and keep to themselves. I park at the park and ride lot at Main street and Mesa road. Parking is free. You have not experienced the best of Valley Metro until you've ridden the light rail.