Vanderbilt University brings us another unique use of student IDs. The school's student government recently unveiled a taxi payment system that enables students to swipe their university ID cards to pay for cab rides. About 200 taxi cabs will be equipped with special card readers for use with the program. 20 cabs will be outfitted with readers for a test run this summer, while the full-blown program will launch in the fall.

With the environment on our minds, it's important to always be on the lookout for ways we can help protect the planet. In terms of your ID card program, one of the easiest ways to go green is to start using eco-friendly ID badge supplies. AlphaCard carries a variety of supplies made from recycled and biodegradable materials that are easier on the earth.

With the recent movement towards 64-bit operating systems, we'll occasionally get inquiries from customers wondering which ID card printers are 64-bit-compatible. In the past we've recommended customers continue using a 32-bit version of Windows in order to ensure compatibility. However, most ID card manufacturers are moving fast to provide drivers that support 64-bit computers and operating systems. In fact, Magicard just released new drivers for all of their most popular ID card printer models. If you're using a Magicard printer, the new drivers are available for download right now.

HID Global was on hand at this week's IFSEC Global Security Conference showing off the company's latest access control innovations along with a fresh batch of Fargo Direct-to-Card printers. In addition to demonstrating its product portfolio, HID offered up a presentation on the benefits of multi-application smart card technology.

Last week we announced that Magicard has made 64-bit drivers available for its most popular ID card printer models. Well, they weren't the only ones. Zebra and Fargo are also providing updated printer drivers that support 64-bit computers and systems, while Evolis and Datacard already have 64-bit drivers available.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has officially launched its long-awaited smart card transit program, allowing riders of buses and trains to pay their fares with a simple wave of a card. The program, dubbed "Presto", is similar to contactless card programs up and running in other cities, for instance Seattle's new Orca Pass.

If your ID program requires cardholders to visibly show off their IDs, you've got a choice of accessories, and it often comes down to lanyards and badge reels. Both of these highly popular accessories make it easy for you to wear your photo ID and access it when needed. In the AlphaCard online store, you'll find a wide selection of lanyards and badge reels fit for any ID card program.

It's fairly common for student ID cards to also serve as passes for public transportation. Often times the card will have a special sticker, or in some cases, the student ID itself is all that's required. As transit payment programs become more advanced however, some schools are changing the ways they integrate student IDs into these systems. Utah Valley University, for instance, is incorporating contactless card technology so that student IDs can function with new card readers installed in Utah Transit Agency (UTA) vehicles. This allows students to carry a single card that works for school applications as well as UTA's new smart card transit pass system.