(07 Oct 2018, 1:42 pm)Tamesider wrote  There is of course, a distinct difference between local bus and rail (esp. long distance) and that is the reasons for travelling and the external choices (or lack of). 

Captive market bus users either pay the ever increasing fares for reducing services, or they pay more (for now) in taxi fares, or they obtain a car. The vast majority of bus journeys are necessary journeys to work, shops or medical facilities. Whilst many would argue that local rail is largely used for necessary journeys to work, most rail users will have private transport to turn to - or indeed in some cases, buses. As for longer distance rail (up to say, 50 miles), it is difficult to categorise many of those as long distance, albeit jobs and even tertiary health services are getting further and further away from home. Again, though, most will still have the option of driving. 

As an aside - though still linked with long-term transport strategy - how common are Sunday driving lessons nowadays? Its only in the last year or so I have noticed many Driving School (with L-Drivers) on local roads and wondered if this was a general reflection on young people's lifestyles meaning evenings & Saturdays aren't convenient? Is it because more lessons are needed to pass a test or is it simply the increase in demand to learn to drive?

It goes without saying there are differences. 
The point I was trying to make, was linked to the effects operational decisions can have on passengers and their perception of the organisation.
Just look at train services in your neck of the woods...
The longer term impact on the decisions made in May probably haven't been felt yet.

As for Sunday driving lessons, I haven't a clue.