Why an Eco‑Friendly Delivery Model Matters in Today’s City
Road transport is one of the largest contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for around fifteen per cent of the international total. In urban centres such as Budapest, the figure jumps considerably—delivery firms move roughly 150 000 parcels a day under normal conditions, swelling to five‑hundred‑thousand during peak holiday periods. This flood of diesel‑powered vehicles not only burdens traffic but also releases a sizeable amount of pollutants into the air. Addressing this problem requires a paradigm shift from conventional logistics to a model that harnesses the existing movement patterns of city residents.
TourMix: A Subscription‑Based Delivery Platform Built on the Sharing Economy
Corvinus University of Budapest graduates Márk Bagdy and Zoltán Márky have turned their academic insights into a practical solution: TourMix. The service operates by pairing everyday pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders with parcel delivery requests. Instead of hiring full‑time couriers, the platform provides an on‑demand marketplace where volunteers or part‑time workers—colloquially called “mixers” by the founders—pick up and drop off packages at locations that align with their individual routes.
The team’s business model borrows heavily from the sharing‑economy logic underpinning companies such as Uber. However, TourMix is unique in that it focuses on moving goods rather than passengers, and it places a premium on environmental integrity. Couriers retain full control over the parcels they accept, choosing the collection and drop‑off times. This flexibility makes the platform an attractive option for people who wish to supplement income without making a long‑term commitment.
Quantifiable Impact: Carbon Savings and Operational Efficiency
Alternatively, the founders estimate that TourMix can reduce emissions by approximately 0.5 kg per parcel. Working with an average of 150 000 parcels daily, that equates to roughly 75 tons of CO2 avoided every single day of operation—a number that climbs dramatically during holiday peaks. The method is straightforward: using human or pedal‑powered transport removes the need for heavy, carbon‑heavy delivery trucks. By aligning deliveries with already planned walking or cycling routes, linear distance travelled is significantly cut, eliminating redundant travel.
In addition to the environmental upside, the platform improves delivery timeliness in congested city hubs. Because couriers are selecting routes that naturally fit their daily itineraries, the risk of traffic caesars or delivery delays north downfall reduces. The outcome is a win‑win: customers receive packages faster, couriers earn supplementary income, and the city’s air quality benefits.
The Human Element: Empowering Gen‑Z and Climate‑Conscious Participants
Beyond the numbers, the founders stress the human capital of the platform. TourMix invites participants to build a community of purpose‑driven couriers. The app enables users to decline payment entirely if they wish to “mix for charity.” This feature captures a growing demographic: young professionals and students who feel the urgency of climate change and seek tangible ways to reduce their own carbon footprints.
By offering a side‑job, TourMix also addresses a common issue among recent graduates: the scarcity of part‑time roles that match flexible schedules. Instead of traditional courier gigs that involve strict shift times, TourMix gives control to the individual. As a result, the platform attracts a diverse swath of participants—from high school seniors looking for “extracurricular income” to full‑time city workers who simply wish to incorporate deliveries into their commute.
Operational Details: How TourMix Works for Couriers and Customers
Step 1 – Sign Up and Create a Profile
Potential couriers begin by downloading the TourMix app and filling in details such as preferred transport mode (walking, cycling, scooter), available days, and capital routes. The profile is visible to customers who browse the app’s delivery marketplace; please note that user privacy settings allow sharing of only essential information. By customizing preferences, the platform automatically matches delivery requests that fit the courier’s daily itinerary.
Step 2 – Selecting Parcell
Once a request is matched, the courier receives a brief overview of pickup and delivery points, estimated distance, and the payment amount. The app’s algorithm ranks proposals based on how well they align with the courier’s existing route. Couriers can then accept or decline the offer—an approach that keeps the system fluid and ensures that only genuinely suitable jobs are taken.
Step 3 – Successful Drop‑off and Confirmation
After the courier collects the parcel, a QR scan confirms hand‑off. The buyer receives an instant notification that the parcel is in transit. Upon arrival, the courier scans the delivery location QR code, and the app records the time and confirms completion. Payment is processed digitally through the app’s secure gateway. Couriers have access to a dashboard that displays earnings, completed jobs, and carbon offset calculations tied to each delivery.
Why TourMix Stands Out Among Alternative Delivery Start‑Ups
Europe is witnessing a surge of last‑minute delivery services, many of which rely on empty seats or driverless trucks. TourMix distinguishes itself through its audacious simplicity:
- Zero Infrastructure Investment – No dedicated fleet or warehouses are needed, lowering capital overhead.
- Highly Scalable – The model can duplicate across cities without large upfront costs, because the human element can adapt to new routes.
- Transparent Impact Metrics – Couriers can view a real‑time carbon savings calculator, giving tangible proof of environmental contribution.
- Community Integration – The platform creates local networks that can sponsor events or fund community projects, further embedding sustainability.
Medium‑Term Vision: Growth and Future Features
Over the next two to three years, the founders plan to expand the service beyond Budapest. They have sketched out a roadmap that includes:
- Integrating a dedicated bicycle‑sharing partnership to allow courier‑only bike docks.
- Launching a B2B module that lets local retailers place bulk orders directly to the platform.
- Adding real‑time route optimization powered by machine learning to identify the most carbon‑efficient paths.
- Expanding to a “green” certification program for couriers, incentivizing eco‑friendly delivery habits with rewards and recognition.
Implications for Students and Alumni of Corvinus University
For students, TourMix offers a practical platform to apply academic knowledge in entrepreneurship, logistics, and environmental science. Internship opportunities are emerging around platform development, data analytics, and community outreach. Alumni may find fruitful collaboration possibilities—whether it’s offering financial backing to accelerate growth or contributing technical expertise to refine the delivery algorithms.
The university’s own research centers—such as the Neuro‑and Digital Marketing Research Center and the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research—could partner on studies that measure the societal impact of shared‑transport logistics. The synergy between academic research and real‑world entrepreneurship is a compelling case study for aspiring business leaders.
Next Steps for Interested Read‑ers
If you’re a city dweller looking to help reduce traffic congestion, a university student seeking flexible income, or a local business wanting greener distribution, TourMix is an option worth exploring. Users can download the app from the device store and begin the sign‑up process instantly.
For those wanting a deeper dive into the economics of sharing‑economy delivery, the founders’ Forbes interview outlines the mechanics in detail. Beyond the app, the platform’s open API may also allow developers to build integrations, opening new avenues for third‑party services.
TourMix’s momentum and commitment to sustainability mark it as a leading example of how entrepreneurial spirit can meet climate responsibility in the urban logistics sector.
Take Action
To join as a courier or partner, visit the TourMix website and sign up today. For more information on how Corvinus University alumni are driving local eco‑innovation, check out the university’s alumni blog. Lastly, if you’re a student at Corvinus, consider applying to their entrepreneurship program to gain insight into launching social ventures that align with global sustainability goals.
