I live downtown without a car, the Pulse and the #5 bus serve most of my transit needs. I am fortunate enough to work within walking distance so I don't use the buses to get to anything too crucial. Whenever I have to leave city limits (Short Pump, airport) I use a rideshare service. Express GRTC buses are really only for people who live in the suburbs and work downtown, they only run during AM PM rush hours and then only in the direction to transport suburban office workers so that isn't really an option. An electric bike would certainly open your options!