Still not contactless, still have to touch the machine to select ticket type, just like you had to with the previous reloadable money card ticket machine.

Buying a ticket with the smartphone app is more contactless - no public screen to touch.

This is great for Helsinkiites or whatever they call themselves.

Not sure why it’s big enough to make international news, though. Contactless payments have been a thing on public transport across Europe and Asia for decades now.

Public transport in Europe is so complicated. Why do I have to buy a ticket and then validate it three steps to the right? Why is there more than 1 kind of ticket? Why are ticket machines in Berlin the way they are? Why are there different rates? Seriously why are ticket machines in Berlin like that?