(KGTV) - It's not a new phenomenon. A hungry passenger requesting a stop for some fast food late at night.
But San Diego Lyft drivers are not stomaching the ride sharing service's new "Taco Mode" partnership with Taco Bell.
The service, announced in late July, was introduced as special "experience" to provide "the ultimate Taco Bell experience including swag, custom in-car menu, a tricked-out taco-themed car and a free Doritos Locos Taco when you 'ride-thru' Taco Bell on the way to your next destination," according to Taco Bell.
Testing for the special mode began in Orange County from July 27 – 29 and from Aug. 3 – 5.
RELATED: Uber or Lyft: Which pays better?
While drivers do have the option to opt out of the mode many are still not enthused. On the ride-sharing forum Uberpeople.net, drivers voiced their distaste for the drive-through plan.
"I for one will not be opting into Lyft's Taco Hell drive thru service .. if you willingly sign up for the beta of Taco Hell Mode you are asking for a cheesy, beefy, and greasy backseat. This is the stupidest partnership I can imagine," a San Diego-based driver by the screen name SurgeSurferSD wrote.
RELATED: McDonald's delivery now available through UberEATS in San Diego
"What a joke. Without a huge bonus per ride thru ($10+), I will never take part in this partnership. I wonder if Lyft consulted their 'partners' before making this deal with taco bell? Looks like it'll be Uber only for me during taco hours. Super lame, Lyft," Tony G., of San Diego, wrote.
"More puke ammunition for the ride home. Don't forget all that yummy orange cheese stuff all over the upholstery! Certainly, your next riders will appreciate that!" Jason B., of San Diego, wrote.
RELATED: Uber driver says parents are risking children's safety
The response by Twitter users has been no different, with questions being thrown at Lyft's account over driver compensation and safety. Lyft's social account has assured users feedback will be taken and used while developing the service.
What incentive do drivers get for sitting for 15 minutes getting paid pennies per min at a drive thru so that riders can get their "taco on"
— Chris Mathews (@cdm813) July 25, 2017
Terrible idea - drivers don't get paid for sitting in line in a drive through and people eating in the car? is Lyft insane?
— Ariuszme (@Ariuszme) July 27, 2017
If my car smells like tacos and I get lower ratings, you will review these ratings, right? How about compensate me for the mess pax make?
— Kent (@dukarc) July 25, 2017
We plan to gather and evaluate feedback from both drivers and passengers and use this to inform Taco Mode moving forward.
— Lyft (@lyft) July 25, 2017
Taco Bell and Lyft plan to roll out "Taco Mode" nationwide in 2018.
