A problem with democracy is that there is always a vocal minority that have unrealistic expectations, whether it be benefits or services.

Who wouldn't want free public transport serving every outlying settlement? - and not just once a week (there are inevitably residents who might be able to work or shop were such connections available).
Unfortunately, wherever there are people who take it into their own hands by buying a car for their own use this reduces the number of potential passengers available to make such services commercially viable (even subsidised services require a 'potential' revenue before the subsidy is granted).

Of course the corollary is that if there was universal frequent public service connections then people wouldn't provide their own transport (well, some would, inevitably, but they aren't those who would choose to use public transport regardless of the availability). 

I recently attended a local consultation for the future development of a market place.
The weekly market is a shadow of what it used to be, and the majority of those who had bothered to attend and submit proposals are in favour of excluding through traffic (and vehicle parking) thus accelerating the demise of the town which is bleeding footfall.
The bus station is currently in progress of being moved further out of the centre of the town, and removing the possibility of access into the centre (the market place) will compound the move to out-of town shopping centres.