Maybe I'm not understanding the use case. I don't want to "take the train". I want to get from A to B. If the train is broken, the workers are on strike, the route is blocked between 1pm and 4pm, or it's outside of operating hours then I want an alternative. So for me, I actually want what Google Maps gives me (or tries to give me). I do not just want to know about trains. Maybe I want to get from the Ferry Building to Oakland and maybe the Bart is broken so i'd be better to take the ferry. Maybe it's late so my only option is a taxi/uber.
Alternatives are especially important in other cities. In Tokyo if I want to go from Shibuya to Azabujuban I can take
* Ginza Line->Namboku line - advantages, (1) Ginza line starts at Shibuya so guaranteed a seat if I wait for the next train - though only for 4 stops where I have to switch (2) both lines are same train company so $1 cheaper
* Hanzomon Line->Oedo line - advantages, fastest
* Yamanoto line->Namboku line
* #6 bus - advantages: no changes, disadvantage, slowest
* taxi - advantage: fastest if there's no line for taxis or if I'm confident I can find one quickly
Extra considerations. Each line's station and the bus stop are 3 to 8 minutes walk from each other so if I'm closest to one that would weigh on my choice. Speed matters too, if I'm late. If I have large or heavy packages I'd be more likely to take the cab. Etc....
Alternatives are especially important in other cities. In Tokyo if I want to go from Shibuya to Azabujuban I can take
* Ginza Line->Namboku line - advantages, (1) Ginza line starts at Shibuya so guaranteed a seat if I wait for the next train - though only for 4 stops where I have to switch (2) both lines are same train company so $1 cheaper
* Hanzomon Line->Oedo line - advantages, fastest
* Yamanoto line->Namboku line
* #6 bus - advantages: no changes, disadvantage, slowest
* taxi - advantage: fastest if there's no line for taxis or if I'm confident I can find one quickly
Extra considerations. Each line's station and the bus stop are 3 to 8 minutes walk from each other so if I'm closest to one that would weigh on my choice. Speed matters too, if I'm late. If I have large or heavy packages I'd be more likely to take the cab. Etc....