FWIW, around here, the bus makes a lot of sense. For seniors, it's only $1 each way if there are no transfers. The inconvenience of bus travel is miniscule compared to the hassle and expense of parking "downtown".
The #6 bus from Hyde Park took me everywhere I wanted to go, it was fast, on time, and safe. 71st Street is well South of there, and deep in the urban jungle. Don't think I'd ride a bus there.