Buses are usually the cheaper inferior option. While bus service doesn't inherently suck, the type of decision making that chooses buses to minimize cost will usually cost optimize every portion of a bus network until the experience suffers. Bus stops without rain shelters or even a bench (versus stations). Dedicated lanes are not provided so buses get stuck in traffic. Operating budgets get cut and then the interval between buses goes from 15 min to 30 min. Service after 10 p.m. gets cut.

The bus networks that don't suck after usually called "shuttles" and are underwritten by tourism districts, airports, and theme park operators.