The cheeky, body-positive event took place every January in Phoenix and other cities and involved people ditching their britches while riding Valley Metro Trains. Originally put on locally by Improv Arizona, the urban prank and flash mob-style event offered an unconventional experience aiming “to challenge the mundane day-to-day life.”
No Pants Rides began in 2002 on New York City’s subway before the concept spread to other cities. Phoenix’s ride began in 2009, just weeks after Valley Metro Rail debuted. Hundreds of locals participated each year until the event was derailed by the pandemic from 2021 to 2023.
Phoenix’s No Pants Ride returned in 2024 but sparked controversy and backlash from critics who claimed it exposed younger light rail passengers to indecency. In January, ride organizers announced they “will be taking a pause for 2025.” (Valley Metro, the agency overseeing public transit in metro Phoenix, later revealed it raised concerns with ride organizers due to the negative feedback from last year's event.)
On Saturday, local activists Pete Petrisko and Stacey Champion will stage the Way More Pants Light Rail Journey. The satirical event will poke fun at critics of the No Pants ride, “celebrate modesty” and involve people wearing multiple pairs of slacks, trousers, jeans or leggings. Pants will also be collected to donate to Phoenix nonprofit André House of Arizona.
“I don't think it's hyperbole when I say the ongoing display of luscious knees and thighs by passengers or anything less than long pants is horrific,” Petrisko told New Times last month. “That's just the kind of thing that's gonna lead to the end of civilization as we know it!”
To mark the occasion, here’s a look back at photos of such civilization-ending immodesty from the Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride over the years.
The Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride has always included a mid-ride meetup at a local bar. Back in 2010, it occurred at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix.
Jonathan McNamara
Many No Pants riders dress as they would on any ordinary day—except, of course, without the pants.
William Westfall
Some No Pants riders, like this fellow in 2013, like to draw attention to themselves.
Benjamin Leatherman
A crowd of pantsless people at the Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street light rail station in 2013.
Benjamin Leatherman
Local furries have frequently participated in the Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride over the years.
Benjamin Leatherman
No Pants participants are told by organizers to "act naturally" during the event.
Benjamin Leatherman
Each year, participants in the Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride would gather at stations in the east and west Valley.
Benjamin Leatherman
The Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride has been described as "really fun to do, but definitely (not) for everyone."
Benjamin Leatherman
No Pants rides have taken place in cities worldwide since the event debuted in NYC in 2002.
Benjamin Leatherman
A Deadpool cosplayer during the 2019 edition of the Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride.
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride participants are encouraged to wear colorful clothing and accessories, just as long as it doesn't include their trousers.
Benjamin Leatherman
A young rider waits to board a train during the 2020 Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride.
Benjamin Leatherman
People of all ages have participated in the Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride, including parents and their children.
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix resident Jonathon Harley wore a neon-green swimsuit reminiscent of the mankini made famous by Borat during the 2024 ride.
Benjamin Leatherman
The Phoenix No Pants Light Rail Ride returned in 2024 after a four-year hiatus.
Benjamin Leatherman
