Why do domestic subway and light rail projects cost more and take longer to construct than similar projects in Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Korea, Chile, and Spain?

We investigate this question across hundreds of transit projects from around the world. We have created a database that spans 54 countries and totals more than 20,000 km of urban rail built since the late 1960s. We have also examined this question in greater detail by carrying out five in-depth case studies that take a closer look at unique considerations and variables that aren’t easily quantified, like project management, governance, site conditions and design.