Dancers join push for Exeter public transport

BACKFLIPS and floor spins may not seem the most logical way to get more people using public transport.

But a travel firm asked Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Flava to help it promote eco-friendly travel in Exeter city centre.

Kyle Richardson does a headstand as the Flava dance group perform in Princesshay
Becky Gowers performing GARETH WILLIAMS EE200709_GW03_03
Jack Britten with the members of Flava GARETH WILLIAMS 709_GW03_01

The breakdancing troupe were called in to inspire people to “get moving, and get using public transport” by Traveline South West, which supplies public transport information in the region, by attracting crowds with their back flips and head spins.

Praised by Simon Cowell on the hit ITV show, the group of seven dancers come from all over the country.

Lead dancer Kyle Richardson, 17, said: “We want kids to look to us as positive role models. We work hard, but it’s a lot of fun and we really enjoy what we do.”

The group proved popular on the show after promoting an anti-knife crime message, saying they represented “good hoodies”, and were happy to carry out work promoting public transport.

Julie Williams, programme development manager for Traveline, said: “The event in Princesshay was really successful.

“Flava have been really good at drawing in the crowds and people have been learning about how to make their journeys instead of using their car.

“We’ve been trying to challenge people to think more about the ways they travel so yesterday gave them something to think about.

“We have a call service and text and mobile internet services which have especially appealed to younger people who are moving into a new area.

“This awareness campaign will encourage anyone planning a journey by bus, rail, coach or ferry to use their web, text and phone service to get instant and detailed travel planning information.”

An interactive trailer has been visiting towns and cities across the region, offering people the chance to test the service for themselves.

Mrs Williams added: “Our launch event in Princesshay was really busy and was a great opportunity to demonstrate to people how to use our map-based software in person.

“People are genuinely surprised at how quick and easy it is to plan a journey using a mixture of transport.

“What we do is really hi-tech, and we’re using technology to make public transport information more accessible to everybody.

“The whole point of these promotional events it to get people trying out the service.”

Visit www.traveline.info, text your stop code to 84268 or phone 0871 200 2233 for more information.