@beep We installed these things in London a decade ago and the advice was similarly dreadful. The worst mistake was the use of the word "tap" - quick tapping meant the reader couldn't scan and the gate got confused. Telling people to "touch" their card against the reader works much better.
And the "seven inch" thing was nonsense then - and probably still is with the new readers.
honestly this is the most boston-ass approach to contactless payment on mass transit, well done everyone https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/08/01/mbta-charliecard-fare-contactless-payment-credit-card-phone-tips-newsletters
You can now go CharlieCard-free on the MBTA. The new “Tap to Ride” system lets riders use credit cards, phones and even smartwatches to directly pay fares on buses and subways. Here are some tips to ensure your first ride goes smoothly.