Anti-Social Public Transit

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I was on the city's public transit system yesterday and noticed a key difference in the attitude of people using the system to go to work, school or play and recreational activities, compared to another city I visited 2 weeks before for a few few weeks. In the city I'm in now, no one speaks to each other. Everyones either jacked-in to some electronic device or absorded into a book or magazine. They all looked grumpy and so mistrustful. I tried to engage a polite conversation with a guy sitting by a window. I commented on the weather and how on predictable it can be at times. Being Canadians its a perfect conversational subject starter. He only grumbled an agreement and turned to look out the window. I then looked around to see if anyone else was watching. There were a few, but when our eyes met they looked away quickly. In the other city when I boarded the public train, it was alive with people talking with each other. I took my seat to listen and observe the people. To my surprise a lady tapped my shoulders smiled and asked how was my day. At first I didn't understand because she spoke it in French. But when I didn't respond right away, she asked again in perfect English. I was charmed and delighted to respond to the question and we began to talk. Soon after four more people joined the conversation whom we've never met before. I had a great time in such a short ride. We all departed as strangers, which felt fine. Everyday and ride this would happen with new strangers and new conversations. It made me want to ride the public transit, even if I hadn't a definite location to go. Why is it so different in these two cities ? Have you ever had a similar experience ?