Ha ha, yes I agree on the train experience, actually sometimes guilty myself 
I know a great designer/artist, Manon van Hoeckel, who specializes in engaging people in real-life conversation.
She designed a real cool concept, called the Luisterruit (Listening Window) which is installed in several Dutch trains, where travellers can tune into podcasts that are designed to make them aware of their companion travellers, e.g. start a flirt, but also notice the landscape, watch the clouds, etc. Its really entertaining and sometimes hilarious 
Its all in Dutch infortunately, but here is the link: