As for public transport, it really depends on if you live and work near the public transportation stops, and the public transportation has a somewhat direct route. I definitely prefer the trolley compared to the bus. Although neither are optimal. About 10 years ago, I took the bus from USD to my parents home in Tierrasanta. It took me almost 2 hours (compared to a drive that would have taken about 20 minutes), but it was not at commuting times (when I guess they would have buses more frequently). And about 6 years ago, I took the trolley downtown (on a weekend) from Mission Valley. Spent a long time trying to get back to Mission Valley, as a game got out of Qualcomm Stadium and in Old Town all the trolleys were heading out of Mission Valley (rather than going into Mission Valley). Those are probably my worst experiences with public transporation, but due to them, I feel driving is much more convienent. I will sometimes take public transportation, but only when I have a lot of extra time (and now that I have kids, it’s even less likely).