Japan have had the NFC capability on Mobile Phones for 10 years and use extensively - Rail, Convenience stores, vending machines - World wide adoption will be quicker than you think though I do understand your article is very US centric

See Japan times article - http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/14/business/tech/apple-decade-behind-japans-mobile-payment-curve/#at_pco=cfd-1.0&at_ab=-&at_pos=2&at_tot=8&at_si=undefined

George