Taajuntauto

Taajuntauto is a Finnish term that roughly translates to "community car" or "neighborhood car." It refers to a car-sharing system where vehicles are collectively owned and used by residents within a specific geographical area, often a housing cooperative or a local community. The primary goal of taajuntauto is to provide convenient and affordable access to a car for those who do not own one or need a second vehicle, while simultaneously reducing the overall number of cars in circulation.

These systems typically operate on a reservation basis, with members booking the car for specific periods. Costs are usually shared among users, covering expenses such as purchase, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Taajuntauto initiatives are often found in urban and suburban areas where car ownership can be a significant financial burden and parking can be limited. They promote sustainable transportation by encouraging shared use and discouraging individual car ownership. The implementation can vary, from informal arrangements among neighbors to more structured organizations managed by a cooperative or a dedicated service provider. The concept aligns with broader trends in the sharing economy and sustainable urban development.