I’m wondering if it’s a Midwest thing, and depends on the cohort, but I’ve noticed that people will spontaneously meet and chat about all sorts of things (from inane to WILD trauma dumps). Anyways just my amateur anthropology lol I typically hear transit reflected as an experience where everyone keeps to themselves
I talk to stranger on public transit on two occasions
1.) when I see some crazy shit, and I give them the “you seeing’ this shit?” Look. That’s the conversation in the whole, the exchange of the look.
2.) when I see something that Signals “I’m a dork ass talk to me”. If I see a a cool nerd shirt, button, or other geeky loser apparel. I say “hey nice trinket! 😄” and if they seem receptive I’ll talk to them