It is the future, but there are at the same time a lot of unsolved problems involved. Tourists not being able to pay unless they happen to have a VISA card is one, old people not understanding technology another. And the dependence on the private sector for cash that the article refers to is also a real problem.

But I do agree with the premise that it is progress in action, it just isn't the case that we are moving towards a steady state but the end goal is still constantly evolving.