I would really love to give Valley Metro more stars. Really, I would. I am a large proponent of taking the bus when I can. I do own a car, so it is not for lack of other transportation that I frequently take the bus. It is for the simple reason that Stevey stated-- Valley Metro will supply more routes when the demand is there. And Phoenix can't afford to have so much sprawl and no form of mass transit. If we would all just suck it up and step away from our SUVs for one to two trips a week, Valley Metro might have the funds to have a ligitimate system!
Honestly, the buses are nice. Mostly, they are clean and on-time. You can check the schedule at www.ValleyMetro.org before you go so you will know the fatest route to take. You can even plan your route from there. It's cheap-- only $1.25 to ride, and free transfers for the next two hours. You just definintely need to set aside a good chunk of time to get where you're going!