From commute to climate action: How ROUTE is reimagining local logistics

Michael Orji is the founder of ROUTE, a Bristol-based platform using everyday journeys to power local deliveries. He’s part of the UWE Launch Space incubator and passionate about climate innovation, equity, and community-powered solutions. In this blog post, he explains how ROUTE works and the impact it can have.

Every day in Bristol, thousands of people walk, cycle, scoot, drive or ride the bus to work, school or the shops. At the same time, delivery drivers are zigzagging across the city often covering long distances with half-empty vans, cars or scooters. These are called “empty miles”, and they create traffic, pollution and waste energy.

At ROUTE, we asked a simple question: why not use the journeys people are already making to deliver things locally? We believe your commute can be a climate solution.

How it works

ROUTE matches businesses that need packages delivered with commuters already heading in the right direction. These micro-couriers, whether walking, on a bike, or riding an e-scooter, are paid to carry out drop-offs without changing their route.

The benefits are circular:

• Lower carbon emissions
• Less traffic on the roads
• Support for local shops and makers
• Flexible earning for everyday people

It’s a system where climate, community and commerce all win – and a powerful reminder that sustainable choices don’t always have to be more expensive or less efficient.

Why it matters

Traditional delivery systems create a lot of wasted trips, and that means more fuel, more emissions, more traffic and more cost. ROUTE avoids all that by smartly matching deliveries to existing journeys. That means:

• Fewer unnecessary vehicles on the road
• Lower carbon emissions and better air quality
• Affordable delivery for local shops

No detours – we only match you with tasks on your route.

A community solution

ROUTE is about more than just deliveries. It’s about using the power of the community to solve real problems,  from climate change to cost of living.

We’re creating a system where movement is no longer a cost to the planet – it’s a resource that benefits everyone.

What’s next — and how you can help

We’re growing across Bristol and looking for people who want to be part of this journey:

• Commuters & cyclists: Sign up to earn while you move
• Local shops: Use ROUTE to offer delivery without the high costs
• Advisors, climate champions, partners: Join our advisory board
• Supporters: Help us grow this into a national movement

Whether you’re interested in supporting, advising, investing, or just spreading the word, we’d love to connect.

Learn more: www.gbproute.com

Reach out: support@gbproute.com