IDEMIA Secure Transactions Launches World’s First Bamboo Transportation Smartcard with Los Angeles Metro

IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), a division of IDEMIA Group, is a leading provider of payment and connectivity solutions for financial institutions, mobile network operators, and automotive manufacturers. By introducing the Bamboo TAP Card, IST is setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in urban mobility. The TAP team at L.A. Metro became the first player to symbolically deploy these cards which were sold at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 20 and 21, and distributed throughout the Metro bus and rail system on April 22.

A sustainable solution to support public transportation fare payment

Crafted from FSC™-certified bamboo, an exemplary sustainable resource, the Bamboo TAP Card offers an eco-conscious alternative to traditional transit fare cards. Its distinctive texture and its natural origin not only enhance the user experience but also symbolize the user’s commitment to protecting the environment.  

This launch reflects IST’s broader mission to support its clients in their transition, moving towards sustainable practices and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. IST innovates to find ways of reducing the impact of its products, for example by offering cards made from recycled and recyclable plastic.

The collaboration between IST and TAP comes at a crucial time when global initiatives are focused on reducing plastic usage. Earth Day 2024, with its theme of combating plastic pollution, presented the perfect backdrop for this launch, emphasizing a shared dedication to environmental stewardship.

The Bamboo TAP Card, like all IST’s technologies, ensures seamless and secure transactions, while redefining the standards of eco-consciousness in the urban mobility sector. The bamboo is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council™ (FSC™), assuring no deforestation, the protection of plant and animal species, fair wages and a safe work environment for the workers, and the respect of the local communities.

“At IDEMIA Secure Transactions, we are driven by the conviction that our technological innovations can foster a more sustainable and inclusive world. The introduction of the Bamboo TAP Card is a testament to this belief, offering a tangible solution that aligns with the environmental values of our clients. All our teams are dedicated to find solutions to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable future.” said David MITEL, Urban Mobility Business Line Director at IDEMIA Secure Transactions.