Difference between operate, function and work

[Guest]

Test No. incompl/advan-61 "Trains", question 4

I suppose as we live in a very rural area, we are lucky that a train service actually ......... here.

(a) operates
(b) works
(c) functions
(d) takes

Test No. incompl/advan-61 "Trains", answer 4

I suppose as we live in a very rural area, we are lucky that a train service actually operates here.

Correct answer: (a) operates

Your answer was: incorrect
I suppose as we live in a very rural area, we are lucky that a train service actually works here.
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Aren't "work" and "operate" synonyms - where is the distinction? And where does "function" have its place?

[Alan]

Work means that something goes as it should. If your watch has stopped and won't start again, your watch isn't working. Operate is used for systems, organisations, services. The bus service in the village doesn't operate on Sundays - there are no buses on that day. Function is often a technical/mechanical process. An engine will not run if part of it is defective and that part therefore doesn't function correctly.
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