TIJUANA – the Uber Passport program kicked off this past Friday, however current Uber drivers in San Diego have reacted reluctant to this new cross-border service.

KPBS surveyed San Diego Uber drivers and their willingness to cross passengers to Tijuana and they found out that security conditions south of the border is their main concern.

"Safety in Tijuana is definitely an issue," said one Uber driver, citing footage of taxi drivers in Tijuana surrounding and confronting an Uber driver. "Why would I jeopardize my own safety?".

Another driver said Uber emailed him with the proposal of driving passengers south of the border but figured he would loose his earnings on the wait back to the States, earnings that have already been affected with the recent 30% rate discount by Uber.

"Financially, that would be suicide for drivers," he said. "I'd be surprised if anyone wanted to do that."

Also, the cost of international data cellular plans could be a major deterrent for the U.S. based drivers as well as the driver's responsibility for the passengers in case they are carrying any illegal substances.

Uber hopes to convince drivers that are part of the SENTRI program the company hopes the high rate prices will be enough to incentivize drivers.

With information from KPBS

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Translated by: edgar.martinez@sandiegored.com