Martin Rich wrote:

: In any case it looks as though a lot of work has gone into design and
: manufacturing of these machines. If I didn't know better I'd see this
: as a sign that conductor operation was here to stay on a large
: scale...

While conductor operation is going to be phased out on London buses,
several new tram systems use conductors. Conductors are also going to
stay on trains - at least over longer distances - and on ferries.
All of them will need new ticket machines from time to time ...

.... Martin