Local group's prank promises to turn heads

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It promises to be a relatively normal day on the TTC this Saturday, with the notable exception of a group of passengers - possibly numbering in the hundreds - riding the subway in their underwear.

The second annual No Pants Subway Ride will kick off at 3 p.m., with participants meeting at Queen's Park before getting on the subway.

The unusual event is being organized by Improv in Toronto, a group dedicated to performing lighthearted pranks around the city. An offshoot of the global Improv Everywhere organization, the group has performed various bizarre but peaceful stunts around the city since it started up about a year ago.

Improv in Toronto spokesperson Cole Banning said the group was started up to add a little light fun into the humdrum workaday world.

"We think that many people may take life a bit too seriously, and so they get into a routine of work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep," he said. "We enjoy breaking the cycle, giving them a little shock and helping them to take a look around and enjoy life."

The No Pants Subway Ride has become a regular event in New York City. Toronto witnessed its first such event last year, with some 75 people riding the subway sans trou. This year's event promises to be even bigger, with over 1,000 confirmed guests and 1,500 others who have said they may participate.

Banning said he expects far fewer people than that to actually take part, but said he expects the turnout to be impressive, nonetheless.

"In the past we've found our missions have around a 25 per cent turnout rate," he said. "Currently that means our mission this year will have approximately 250 people, though the number of people coming is increasing daily."

Anyone is invited to participate, though organizers stress that the event is intended to be fun and tasteful. Those travelling without pants should ensure their underwear is presentable and should not dress in a provocative or offensive way.

Participants meet up at Queen's Park (fully clothed) then travel to the Museum subway station, where they will board the train. One stop before they intend to get off the subway, each participant will remove his or her pants calmly and quietly. Many of the passengers will ride the subway around to Eglinton Station for the final stop.

Banning said last year's event raised some eyebrows and got the desired response from TTC passengers who did not know about the No Pants ride.

"People's reactions vary from ignoring us, silently whispering, complete shock, lots of double takes, lots of laughing," he said. "And many people are approached about the fact they have no pants."

Other Improv in Toronto activities have included a real-life Where's Waldo, with Waldo look-alikes hiding throughout the Eaton Centre, a dinosaur rights protest at the Royal Ontario Museum and a subway dance party.

For more information on Saturday's No Pants Subway Ride, visit www.improvintoronto.com