Talking Headways Podcast: The Cost of a Subway
This week's guest is transit analyst and writer Alon Levy, whose work comparing the capital costs of rail construction across cities and countries has become increasingly influential. We talk about how Alon got into transportation, subway costs, and price comparisons, and the thinking behind a new Boston commuter rail electrification plan.
By
Jeff Wood
1:10 PM EDT on June 7, 2018
This week’s guest is transit analyst and writer Alon Levy, whose work comparing the capital costs of rail construction across cities and countries has become increasingly influential. We talk about how Alon got into transportation, subway costs, and price comparisons, and the thinking behind a new Boston commuter rail electrification plan.
Jeff Wood is the creator of the Talking Headways podcast and editor of the newsletter The Overhead Wire.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog USA
How (And Why) To Capture the Livable Streets Movement on Film
Clarence Eckerson Jr. of Streetfilms talks with "The War on Cars" about how he uses filmmaking as a tool to make cities better.
November 10, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Are Still Surfing the Blue Wave
Politicians may not realize it, but U.S. voters are overwhelmingly in favor of transit.
November 10, 2026
How to Fight a Freeway 101
A new guide gives advocates the basics to building a campaign against harmful infrastructure in their neighborhoods — and the best time to start is now.
November 9, 2026
Monday’s Headlines Come Heavy or Not at All
The Transport Workers Union takes aim at Amtrak's new policy allowing guns onboard trains.
November 9, 2026
The California DMV’s Culture of Obstruction
California’s DMV is responsible for managing some of the biggest risks on the state’s roads, but researchers say a culture of secrecy and obstruction makes it nearly impossible for the public to access basic information about dangerous drivers and disabled parking placard fraud.
November 6, 2026
