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Interesting article, but I am not sure I agree with RBR conclusion that the absolute growth in ATM transactions is proof that customers still like cash.  

For many cash is still a "necessary evil".

If you look at the numbers in the article, Sainsbury´s are predicting cash withdrawals to increase by 3 million in December compared to last December.  That´s an increase of 1.8%.  

According to the latest figures from the UK Cards Association, purchases are growing at over 6% year on year.  This suggests to me that POS growth is still outgrowing ATM, demonstrating the continued trend away from cash.  

I suppose one conclusion is that cash is proving stubborn and whilst it is declining as a percentage of total spend, it is still growing in absolute terms.  This should provide motivation for merchants and the schemes to plug the acceptance gaps.