I would recommend still using the google play services, at least to start. The vast majority of apps work as expected with google play services installed (with a few notable exceptions like android auto and google pay) while many apps will struggle without. Google Play Services actually supplies a framework for apps to do push notifications on android and get location services. Some apps have functionality built in but most don’t.
Hmm OK I think our timescales are what are mismatched. I got my first tap card 4 years ago.