Although this debate is destined to run and run some facts are inescapable. Using any form of public transport in the UK is normally much more inconvenient than using your car. Part of this is down to the fact that public transport, despite its name, is largely in private ownership. In the places around the world where public transport works well it's almost always electrically powered, runs vehicles very frequently and adheres to a strict timetable. Private companies generally want the most for the least expenditure, and until forced to do so won't invest in new technology such as electric power units. An excellent example of this is the Conwy valley train service. While the enthusiast-run Ffestiniog operators are proclaiming their investment in observation coaches, which would be the perfect fit for the Conwy Valley line, Arriva are making no attempts to change and thus squandering a huge opportunity.
I've long held that a circular monorail loop, going through Llanberis, Caernarfon, Bangor and Llandudno with electrically powered vehicles running every 30 minutes would make a lot of money, although the initial investment would be very high. The national park would find it difficult to refuse permission for a clean form of transport whose footprint would be far smaller than a train line and which would effectively offer car users a sensible and efficient alternative to driving. Strategically placed car parks could be developed at station sites around the loop and complemented by a levy imposed on those who insisted on driving.