I've grown to be a big fan of public transport. I've had a substantial commute in both Berlin and London, but public transport in both cases. Obviously I'd rather not have to do it, but it's had benefits for me. It's time every day when I'm "unplugged," and have a chance to read, something I'd found I'd done less of in recent years.

So, yeah, commuting can be a gift in disguise. But only if you're "lucky" enough to be able to use public transport. Not to mention the environmental benefits.

Indeed. For a few years I commuted the other way (from south west London out of town). It was luxury, I'd have a seat (or whole carriage) both ways and could get a lot done. Now I'm working in London I just cycle everywhere. It feels like the right thing to do in every way.

Yeah, it really depends on the kind of transit. In the SF Bay Area, for example, I wouldn't try to do real work on the Muni subway or streetcars, but you can get stuff done on Caltrain.

I've always wondered, in these situations, do you at least have enough room to use a smartphone, or is even that asking too much in the crowds? Where I live, public transportation doesn't typically get that congested.

Probably, it's been 15 years since I commuted.. ;-) I'm not sure I could do anything "productive" standing on a smartphone though but I imagine it'd be great for catching up with Letterpress(!)

The south east of England is notorious for crowded public transport. You're basically looking at several million people hitting it at the same time (and driving is a nightmare so public transport is very busy).

There's of course a range of densities. :]

In the worst crush loads I've experienced commuting in Tokyo, I could read a small book only by holding it above my head and looking up... Most days weren't quite that bad, but "can't really move" was common.

[I tried to go in late so my morning commute was often downright pleasant, lazily reading in the morning sun... I also liked commuting because it took me through a range of interesting and popular station areas, and sometimes I'd get off and go shopping or meet someone for dinner or something; I found this much easier (mentally) than making a special trip to do the same after a hard day's work. Now I walk to work and sort of miss my commute...]

In a rush hour subway, you may have room to read on your phone, but probably shouldn't use it without a wrist strap. If you're bumped (and you will be) and drop it, you'll never see your phone again.