The point is being able to read a book during your commute without getting assaulted or robbed.
I've witnessed tons of anti-social behavior over the years taking the DC metro and honestly, have never been comfortable ever since I was a child and got stuck between two drunk men arguing after a baseball game. I was feeling claustrophobic and could even feel the spit hit my face. The car was packed and no room to really get away from it. I think its gotten better but I wouldn't know as I haven't used it in years.
I think is the qualifier the other user put in to disqualify public transit. But yes, ideally.