¡Yo Quiero Lyft! “Taco Mode” and a $250 New-Driver Bonus Sound Tasty

Apparently midnight taco stops aren’t irregular occurrences for ride-sharing drivers.

We can only imagine how that conversation goes (maybe because we’ve been there):

Pleaseeee, you need to take me to Taco Bell. It’s right theeerrreeee. I’m gonna cry if I don’t fall asleep next to a Crunchwrap Supreme tonight.

The deal might involve bargaining: I’ll throw you an extra $10, driver. It’s worth it. Come onnn.

Well, come 2018, riders — and probably-annoyed drivers — don’t have to deal with this anymore because Lyft just announced a new partnership with Taco Bell appropriately called “Taco Mode.”

How Does Taco Mode Work?

“Taco Mode” is an in-app feature that will allow Lyft riders to schedule a pit stop at the nearest Taco Bell. It’s only available during the most appropriate times — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Riders will select “Taco Mode” before requesting the ride, then once in the car, they’ll use an iPad menu to peruse their options. Steak chapula? Yes please. (At least, that’s what Missouri’s governor would say.)

And apparently those who test out the new feature will get a free Doritos Locos Taco.

Unfortunately, “Taco Mode” won’t be released nationally until next year, according to the press release, but it’s being tested in Orange County on July 27 to 29 and August 3 to 5.

“We’re combining two of our passengers’ favorite activities — a night out with friends and enjoying Taco Bell — which means there is even more of the night to love,” said Melissa Waters, Lyft’s head of marketing.

So What Does “Taco Mode” Mean for Drivers?

It means drivers no longer have to deal with unscheduled pitstops. Or, if they refuse to stop, a negative rating or lower tip.

Drivers might find a few pieces of shriveled shredded lettuce between their seats, but they also aren’t forced to participate, according to Lyft’s blog. They can simply choose not to accept “Taco Mode” rides.

A Lyft  representative also told us drivers won’t get any sort of official extra compensation or bonus; however, the idea is that they’ll get paid more because they’ll be driving further.

We imagine drivers might get a free taco or two, as well.

This $250 Bonus is a Good Reason to Sign Up for Lyft 

If you’re not a Lyft driver yet but want to prepare for the “Tacolypse,” this might make you want to sign up.

Right now, when you sign up for Lyft and complete 100 rides in 30 days, you’ll bank a $250 bonus.

We thought that sounded like a of rides, too. But when you break it down, that’s only about three rides a day. If you only drive weekends? That’s about 12 rides, or six a day or night.

The beauty is you can pick and choose your hours and when you drive.

(If you’re curious about how much you can earn by taking 12 rides on the weekends, use Lyft’s pay calculator.)

In terms of that $250 bonus… that’s 78 Cheesy Gordita Crunches, which, if you eat two a day, will feed you for over a month.

Then, once the “Taco Mode” feature unfurls in your area next year, you can start stacking up even more Taco Bell.

Time to guac and roll.

*car speeds off into the sunset*

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She thinks Taco Bell pairs well with a stomach full of beer.