That's basically the case here in Australia (I live in Sydney, I believe the standard is about the same in other cities). My train line has been completely clos

That's basically the case here in Australia (I live in Sydney, I believe the standard is about the same in other cities). My train line has been completely closed for the past week, for "routine trackwork" (and it's not even Christmas / summer holidays). Every weekend one or more lines are closed for trackwork. Throughout this year, trains have been delayed or cancelled, often with little notice, due to workers going on strike. And I've lived in Sydney for most of my life, and it's always been like this. Can't rely on public transport.