Online N213 campaign hits the streets to force u-turn

8 July 2009

Hundreds of young people and parents will converge on Wallington town centre tomorrow night to protest against the axing of the N213 night-bus service, in a campaign driven and organised via online social networking website, Facebook.

The campaign to reinstate the bus began on Facebook, with the online group growing to over 2,300 in just a few days.

Transport for London (TFL) claim the route isn't used frequently enough, but the legions of people already signed up in support of the N213 suggests otherwise, with many of the members suggesting the service is often full with standing room only on some evenings.

"This campaign has been driven by young people and has galvanised opposition to TFL's decision. As their local MP, I'm backing their bid to reinstate the night service 100%" said Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Brake.

"What's unique about this campaign is the way in which young people have mobilised their friends quickly using the internet – it blazes a trail for young people throughout the UK who care passionately about what's happening in their community" continued Mr Brake.

Members of the Facebook Group Save the N213, including Mr Brake, will meet at 10pm outside Wallington Public Hall to protest against the loss of the service, which is vital in helping people get back safely late at night from Croydon town centre.

"The decision to cut the services has been about penny-pinching, and has clearly overlooked the very serious consequences for the personal safety of many young people in Carshalton, Wallington and Sutton."

"My worry is that people will feel they have little option but to use unlicensed mini-cabs or walk – as a parent I know that the loss of the N213 will cause no end of worry" concluded Mr Brake.

Campaigners hope to force London's Mayor Boris Johnson to reverse the decision to cut services. Mr Brake has already written to Mayor Johnson's to voice his firm opposition to the removal of the N213 service.