As I would leave early I would normally get a seat and spent that time triaging issues or writing code or just working on my own stuff - it was nice.
I moved overseas and my commute went to 15 minutes on the bicycle - it was much better for my health and well-being as well as being able to have breakfast with my kids, and be home in time for dinner - these didn't happen when I was spending 90 minutes a day commuting.
Since moving back to Sydney our requirements as a family were to find a place that was similar to what we had overseas - short commute for me and walking distance to shops / schools.
Some days I look back on the commute with rose-coloured glasses and the time I had to myself, but I often forget the amount of times I had to forgo social activities or the hours I spent waiting for missed or delayed trains. And of course with my kids getting older I wouldn't give up the time with them to sit on my bum on a train :)