The fun folks over at Improv Everywhere, well known for urban pranks great and small, are having what’s now become an annual No Pants Subway Ride, and San Francisco, predictably, is part of this growing worldwide phenomenon.
You can read about, and join the local chapter of the Urban Prankster Network (the rebranding of Improv Everywhere outside of NYC), and read up on details. I’ve long been a fan of these kinds of humorous pranks since their intent isn’t to harm anyone, and they follow some simple, but necessary rules, and lack the moral high horse nonsense that is the lifeblood of the killjoy activists here in town.
Or, you can read this reprint of the email I got from ’em, it looks to be, um, interesting. If you’re out and about and happen to catch any of these fine citizens in public, take a picture and post it in the comments this weekend!
All are invited to participate in the 9th Annual No Pants! Subway Ride. The event will take place from 2:30 – 3:00 PM on Sunday January 10.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION:
1) Willing to take pants off on subway
2) Able to keep a straight face about it
3) At least $5 for the BART/MUNI rides and some extra for bar/etc.
(or a fast past)
If you are unfamiliar with the No Pants Subway Ride, read the history here:
THE PLAN:
Pittsburg/Bay Point train, times below.
Go to the station of your choice, before the scheduled train arrives. If you can, arrive with no pants (if you are bringing pants for later, have them in a bag or otherwise concealed; if you need to, discreetly take your pants off in the station before getting on the train). Then get on the train when it arrives. Act casual. Don’t take pictures, if you can help it. Try not to notice the other pantsless people, unless someone points them out to you. If asked, pretend you have no idea why everyone else has no pants. See the improv everywhere page if you need ideas on why /you’re/ not wearing pants.
This is the new revised schedule; if you plan on boarding from the other stations that are suggested, PLEASE DO. The more spread out we are the better.
1:47 San Bruno
1:51 SSF
1:54 Colma
1:58 Daly City
2:01 Balboa Park
Enjoy and play nice!
Image via Improv Everywhere.
UPDATE! It seems that BART spokesperson Linton Johnson is not amused by the proposed antics, and in today’s SF Appeal, suggests that anyone who does so may be cited for “indecent exposure” by BART police.
To which I say to Mr. Johnson and BART: It’s not like you guys arrest the meth addicts, the drug addicts or any of the people that actually cause problems on BART anyway, so why should anyone believe you now? Besides your new BART board president is too busy peddling his lies about cell phones anyway. Fix that, then come back to us and have a real convesation, mmmkay?