The big difference between the two is that commuting is isolating whereas trains/subways put you around other human beings. Also, having to focus on other slow moving vehicles is mentally taxing with no obvious benefit. Being able to read, or sometimes nap, is liberating.
If you are commuting downtown during rush hour, being with other human beings is a downside—it’s quite oppressive, actually. And you probably won’t get a seat, which means napping is out, and reading is more of a hassle.
I’m in somewhat of an ideal situation, commute-wise—I work just outside the city and live inside, so I commute in the opposite direction of traffic. But I’ve had to commute downtown occasionally and it’s way more exhausting.
The big difference between the two is that commuting is isolating whereas trains/subways put you around other human beings. Also, having to focus on other slow moving vehicles is mentally taxing with no obvious benefit. Being able to read, or sometimes nap, is liberating.
If you are commuting downtown during rush hour, being with other human beings is a downside—it’s quite oppressive, actually. And you probably won’t get a seat, which means napping is out, and reading is more of a hassle.
I’m in somewhat of an ideal situation, commute-wise—I work just outside the city and live inside, so I commute in the opposite direction of traffic. But I’ve had to commute downtown occasionally and it’s way more exhausting.