Pam, I don't "stare" at people. I look, and maybe stare at the posters on the wall of the train. I only ride for 2 stops, so I don't have too much time there, thankfully. I can't read on the train... makes me dizzy. I can read on the commuter rail, when and if I take it, since I am on for 40 minutes or so. It goes slower.
I just don't like buds in my ears, nor do I have any great desire to listen to music.
Jolt, I think you get more of the cell phone conversations on the commuter rail, when people have more time. Not so much on the Red line. That would bug me, too, since it bugs me anywhere out in public.
Sounds like the "things that piss me off" thread.