#xkcd 3105

[todays-xkcd]

We're getting a lot of complaints from commuters who were routed onto a coaster, but the theme park patrons who spent hours stuck on an intercity line are also not happy.

Interoperability [Explained]

Transcript Under the Cut

[A close-up shot of Black Hat from the shoulders up] Black Hat: Compatibility and interoperability are so important.

[A zoom out reveals that Black Hat is standing in front of and pointing at a diagram showing a commuter subway car and a rollercoaster car, and the tracks they both run on. Standing next to him are Cueball and Hairbun] Black Hat: For example, most subway rails are 143.5 cm apart. But many roller coasters use a narrower 110 cm gauge.

[This panel shows only Black Hat] Black Hat: For the last few years, our company has been quietly retrofitting roller coasters to use 143.5 cm tracks.

[Black Hat now has his fists raised] Black Hat: Soon, we can begin phase 2. Voice from off-panel: Maybe interoperability is actually bad. Black Hat: If you listen to the destination announcement while boarding, you'll be fine.