Mass transit can be a pretty demoralizing place, as evidenced by the bleary-eyed masses of soul-deadened commuters who share our germy, enclosed air each morning. But at least once a year, urban pranksters Improv Everywhere inject just a little bit of mirth into the underground with their annual No Pants Subway Ride Day, in which riders take off their pants and take to the trains.

The underdressed were out in force in New York City for this Saturday's eighth No Pants event. About 1,200 riders dropped trou in 30 degree weather for an afternoon ride on the 1, 6, E and R trains, donning Speedos, stockings and boxer shorts -- all while keeping a straight face. The event, which started with just seven riders in 2002, now takes place in 24 other cities, including Washington, Chicago and Toronto (as well as participants in Korea, Poland and Australia).

Photographer Jim Kiernan witnessed the event and took pictures, so that we all may enjoy this wondrous day.

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No Pants Subway Ride NYC
Chillin' out on the platform. Click here to see more photos from this year's 8th Annual No Pants Subway Ride in NYC...
Jim Kiernan, Flickr

No Pants Subway Ride NYC


Questions Raised: Should pants be mandatory on the subway? Is there some sort of health hazard in having people's junk so close to the surface in a public place?

Check out the hot, hot, hot pants-less subway ride (featuring people with cold legs) in video!


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