Read an Academic Passage

[1]For much of the twentieth century, North American cities grew outward into low-density suburbs built around the car. This pattern used up farmland, increased energy use and made traffic worse. In response, planners began to promote transit-oriented development (TOD), which places housing, offices and shops within walking distance of train or bus stations.

[2]TOD requires transport planning and land-use planning to be coordinated rather than handled separately. Successful projects usually allow taller buildings near stations, make streets pleasant for walking and limit large parking lots. Supporters say the benefits go beyond fewer car trips. Because homes are closer together, each household needs fewer meters of road, water pipe and sewer line, so infrastructure costs less. A mix of housing types near stations can also give people without cars more affordable choices.

[3]Critics warn, however, that TOD can lead to gentrification. As areas near new stations become more desirable, rents rise, and the lower-income residents the policy was meant to help may be forced to move away. Unless cities protect affordable housing, the gains from TOD may go mainly to property owners and developers.