Downtown details

Here is an interesting thread answering a particular question on using the bus over a 4 day Vegas visit.

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?109072-Where-to-catch-the-SDX-Express-from-4Queens&p=989025#post989025

Passes available at Maryland and Flamingo by machine

Keno advises

  am not sure you have this on your blog? Hope it helps! At the Maryland and Flamingo bus stop the machine sells 1 ride-$2-RD$1 ; 2HR $3-RD$1.50 ; 24 hour-$5 ; RD $2.50

RD is the reduced fare paid by seniors, youngsters, and some others.

Of course, we can also buy these on the bus directly from the driver.

August bus riding

Once on the bus, it should be fairly comfortable.  The problem is waiting in the heat for the buses.  Plan as much as possible to be at the stop close to the time the bus arrives.  Also, switching buses in places with some AC is better than standing out in exposed areas under the brutal sun.
August is not the best month for using the bus to get around Vegas.  I don't go much in August anymore, but if I did I would plan on being in a casino during the heat of the day and only walking or taking the bus long after the sun had set. 
If you are in the heat waiting for the bus, drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty.  Carry and drink water all the time.  Order a free drink with a free water.  Buy it when you need it.  Dehydration is not joke and it sneaks up on people.

Late Arrival and bus to downtown

Here is a pretty good discussion of the issues and the options

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?109112-Late-arrival-into-Vegas-and-need-to-get-Downtown