I think similarly.
When they made the changes to Deansgate they told local residents that the measures were designed to reduce car travel. They are very upfront about the idea of switching travel from cars to foot, bikes, bus and train but this will only work if there are improvements in bus and train.
In my experience, which is very limited, I see improvements to bus travel but no changes to the trains. The national train network is imo appalling. The trains are comfortable enough but the availability is poor and they are expensive. That for me is where the investment needs to go. I am aware of some engineering works e.g., Trans Pennine Upgrade but much more needs to be done.