If you have any interest in local activism - stores are subject to local gov't. And transit systems are part of it. It might be relatively easy to assemble a local coalition, and get the local gov't to ban "de-humanizing" folks who don't have (or don't use, or don't trust, or ...) smart phones.

Biggest problem may be keeping that coalition - AI-phobics, Christians (real ones, not the "Blessed are the rich" hypocrites), Data Center opponents, Disabled & Elderly, Homeless advocates, ... Preppers, ... - working coherently enough to pass the laws.

I have no idea how I would even get started. Like how do you find those people to get your coalition going? Are there guides on this sort of thing?

There are lots of "how to" web sites for Community Organizing. I'd just skim through a few of those - assuming your unfamiliar - then try to find real, involved local people who are already involved:

- If you have a good local politician who'd likely support this (probably from already being a supporter of affected groups), you could ask them.

- If your area has even half-decent services for the homeless, or a church serving meals to the needy, or a Salvation Army, or etc., then the people you want to talk to are within 2 or 3 degrees of separation from those. Or if your local transit org has in-person monthly public meetings, you could attend one of those & ask around.

Yes, I'm biased toward established, old-fashioned groups, which are already doing stuff in your area. They're the ones with the accumulated experience, local knowledge, and track record. Vs. (say) AI phobics are more like Level 0 NPC's, with default-to-zero skills or experience getting along in a group.

What transit systems in America are getting rid of cards?

NYC is the most recent that I am aware that is in a payment system transition, but the new system has physical cards you can buy and reload to use with the new tap to pay system.