Quite so. And, I forgot, you can use the time commuting for something that requires your complete attention - like reading, studying, or even just deep thinking - that you simply can't do when you're driving.

So not only it's faster, it actually frees up time for other things.

Unless you’re a woman

The underlying general point you are making is definitely valid, but there are now reserved cars on all trains during rush hours.

Actually that's a very interesting question. Is the rate of sexual assault on Japanese Trains higher or lower than their average auto injury rate?

It's a lot higher. But I wouldn't be so sure whether chronic back pain from a car crash is better or worse than being groped in a train.