Final answer:
The US lags in transit-oriented growth due to the lack of efficient rail systems in newer cities, the impact of agglomeration diseconomies such as traffic and pollution, and the economic challenges related to subsidies and economies of scale in operating transit systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
What are three reasons the US lags in terms of transit-oriented growth? This question underlines the challenges faced by the US in developing efficient urban transit systems. One reason for this lag is the lack of efficient commuter rail or subway systems in newer cities compared to older ones in the Northeast and Midwest. These newer cities have a historic central business district and an inner city, but they are relatively small and play a less pivotal role due to the absence of a rail-oriented development framework.
Furthermore, there is a phenomenon known as agglomeration diseconomies. Although cities provide economies of scale, excessive concentration may lead to disadvantages such as traffic congestion, pollution, and higher crime rates. Such disadvantages can offset the benefits of close geographic proximity, slowing the growth and expansion of transit-oriented development.
Finally, urban areas are often willing to subsidize urban transit systems because of the perceived economies of scale, particularly with rail systems. Despite the subsidies, the economies of scale in operation may not always be sufficient to counterbalance the high initial investment and maintenance costs associated with these transit systems. This can make funding and expansion a challenging endeavor.