The major problem with the current network is that the endpoints don’t stack up, and it’s interesting to read about the progress you mention in this direction; but going too far with devolution could kill public transport completely because the endpoints will drift further apart.

Did they mention anything about integration of bus and train timetables? Trivial example as an illustration: in Knutsford the only buses to the dozen villages around there leave 5 minutes BEFORE the only train coming in from Manchester, so there’s no sensible way to use the bus for the “last mile” problem and get to Barclays, Astra Zeneca, or any of the dozens of companies on the science park without driving.

The “best of both worlds” approach is an interesting debate, given that the current model is approximately that the government pays private outfits to reduce cost, and bugger any other considerations including customer service.

“Should you consider the end user to be more like Spock or Homer Simpson?”

Both must be available – and you can use the same infrastructure to deliver both, so the incremental cost would be surprisingly little.

thanks
Graham