fix.rb

if self.respond_to?(:current_user) && current_user.present?
  is_operator_facing = current_user.is_operator?
elsif local_assigns[:is_operator_facing]
  is_operator_facing = local_assigns[:is_operator_facing]
else
  is_operator_facing = false
end

#### ... some other unrelated code  ####

if is_operator_facing
  rp = rr.ride_pricing.reprice_without_promo_code
end

problem code.rb

## within vehicle_side_bar partial
if current_user
  is_operator_facing = current_user.is_operator?
elsif local_assigns[:is_operator_facing]
  is_operator_facing = local_assigns[:is_operator_facing]
else
  is_operator_facing = false
end

# then including :locals => {:current_user => current_user}

## original code:
if current_user && current_user.is_operator? 
  rp = rr.ride_pricing.reprice_without_promo_code 
end 

# updated_code
if is_operator_facing
  rp = rr.ride_pricing.reprice_without_promo_code 
end