New York metro is very dense and all the commuter rail systems are pretty bad, or worse. Bumpy rides, delays, uncomfortable interiors, etc. I can't really work on anything on the LIRR or NJT because it's so wobbly. I got on a commuter rain in Geneva and it was so incredibly smooth and the whole experience comfortable.
To harp on the American rail system: I could literally not type on portions of the ride from Palatka to D.C. The tracks were so wobbly and bouncy that my hands would jump all over the keyboard.
