Q: As the commuter waiting area is accessible by the public, would the general waiting area thus be part of the commuter waiting area?

Per the program, these are two separate requirements, though they may be adjacent.

The commuter waiting area (15,000sf) is specifically intended for passengers waiting to board trains.

The general circulation allowance of 70,000 sf may include areas for waiting, but is not intended to replace the commuter waiting area.