Compared to what we have here in Canada, your public transportation is outstanding. When I was in London and had just started the using the tube system, I remember missing a train early on; I could literally see it pulling away. I could only think to myself dammit, until I looked up at the sign to see that the next train was arriving in 1 minute. I've had the same happen to me in Toronto and it cost me an hour of waiting around. I was so pleased with public transport in London.
I talked to several people while there, and they all said that compared to other European countries (Switzerland being mentioned by most), the transportation system in England is poor. So I guess it comes down to what you compare it to.