No pants at Park Station
JOBURG - Don't be surprised if your journey through Park Station brings you face to face with people not wearing any pants on 12 January.
Rather than being absent-minded or exhibitionists, these people will be taking part in the annual global event, the No Pants Subway Ride.
According to the event’s Facebook page, the only two requirements for participation are a willingness to take off one’s trousers on the train, and to keep a straight face about it. Cash for a train ticket would also be helpful.
“Bring cash for a ticket, [and] any activity you might normally perform on the train, [like] a newspaper, book, [or] sewing kit,” stated the page.
The idea is that participants arrive in normal attire and remove their pants at the first station.
“You can wear fun underwear if you like, [or] wear two pairs of underwear if it makes you feel more comfortable. Don’t wear a thong or anything else that might offend people. Our aim is to make people laugh, not p*** them off.”
“If questioned, you do not know any of the other pant-less riders. Tell folks that you ‘forgot to wear pants’. Insist that it is a coincidence that others also forgot their trousers. Be nice, friendly and remain calm.”
Participants will depart from Park Station at 3pm and ride to Braamfontein Station, Fordsburg, before returning to Park Station on another train.
“Please leave your cameras at home and resist the temptation to snap shots with your iPhone etc while the event is happening. Take as many [photos] as you like before and after the event, but during the ride we really want people to enjoy the experience of participating, rather than documenting.”
The event was started by Improv Everywhere in 2002. More than 4000 people participated in the 12th annual event in New York City, with thousands more joining in the fun in 60 cities around the world.
Details: Facebook: The No Pants Subway Ride
