Many folks can't make that switch (from driving to public transit) because there isn't reliable and/or suitable public transit for that route -- but this doesn't change the point.

Look for housing that is either very close to where you work (remove the commute) OR that's well-placed for a simple and comfortable commute on public transit (try it out a few times, at the times you'd be using it!) where you can also get some side-project work done.