I like to sit and take a moment for me. It's a nice moment of calm either before chaos or to release tension from the chaos. So I looks like nothing, but it's zen
some people have a very rich inner life, or would love some relaxation time to work through things for themselves, or to strategize re-approaches, etc. it may look like nothing to an outside observer. some other people may look like they are doing something like reading or watching media but really they are zoning out the same.
I used to read a lot on my way to uni and work, but I stopped at some point. My commute consists of three 15-minute train rides, and I just can't focus "on demand" like that any more, unfortunately. But I still enjoy daydreaming, which looks like(or maybe even is) doing nothing. Every day is filled with plans and things I need to do, it's actually nice to have some time to do nothing. But if my commute were one continuous train ride, I'd probably read a lot more.
I always like to work on my laptop, when I'm on the train. It's great, because there's no distractions, not much else to be doing. If the train ride is long enough, I can really get into the zone and be more productive than I'm anywhere else.
I take the train to my new job and I gotta say I didn't expect to like working on the train so much. If you pass through any nnicd areas you have a nice view, the upper floors are quiet zones during rush hour, the seats are fairly comfortable. It's nice! The drive is about half the time, but even if I could drive there I wouldn't.