nothing wrong with taking the bus.... i've taken the bus probably a good 3 out of the 4 years in university...
obviously its more convenient to take your own car, but sometimes its 'easier' to take the bus (see joes comment)... but if my car broke down, i would take the bus no problem... tell your friend to swallow her pride and get on the damn bus.
If I end up going to Ottawa U next year I'm probably gonna take the bus because:
a. Parking is mad $$$
b. There's a bus stop right in front of my house
c. Downtown is not too far away so it won't be an endless bus trip.