How To Get The Scarborough Central Tramway Resident's Partner Card In 2026

Living in a place like Scarborough means being surrounded by history. One of the town's most iconic sights is, of course, the Victorian cliff tramway. It's a piece of living history that ferries people up and down the cliffside. But is it just for tourists? Not a chance. After a brilliant trial year in 2025, the Central Tramway Company has announced that its exclusive Resident’s Partner Card scheme is back for 2026. This special card is a fantastic way for local residents to feel a stronger connection to their town's heritage and, even better, save some cash. The scheme proved so successful that the company is keen to continue building its relationship with the local community, making the historic service a part of everyday life for people who call Scarborough home.

What was the big idea behind the card?

Picture this: it's a quiet Tuesday in November. The summer crowds are gone, and the town settles into its off-season rhythm. The team at the Central Tramway Company had a thought. How could they encourage more local people, the actual residents of Scarborough, to hop on board? The introduction of the Resident's Partner Card was their answer. The whole point of the scheme was to make the tramway more accessible for the local community all year round, not just during the sunny, tourist-filled months. It was a move to encourage residents to see the service as theirs, a practical and fun way to get around town. Beyond just being a mode of transport, the company wanted to spread the story of the tramway’s incredible heritage. At nearly 150 years old, this funicular railway has a lot of tales to tell, and this card was designed to invite the community to become a bigger part of its ongoing story. The introduction of the card was about building a lasting connection.

A massively successful trial year

So, did the idea work? Absolutely. The trial year of the scheme was incredibly successful. Throughout 2025, more than 400 local partners signed up. That’s a huge number of people from the community who jumped at the chance to get involved. It shows just how much people in Scarborough value this unique part of their town. This wasn't just a gimmick; it genuinely helped strengthen the connection between the company and its neighbours. The tramway saw more local faces during the quieter off-season, proving that it’s a vital service for residents, not just a holiday attraction. This successful year has solidified the tramway’s place as a cornerstone of the Scarborough community, building a strong bond that goes beyond a simple transaction. The scheme helped spread the word about what a brilliant service it is, making the entire trial year a massive win for everyone involved.

So, what’s happening in 2026?

Good news keeps on coming. Because the trial year went so well, the Central Tramway Company is officially continuing the Resident’s Partner Card scheme into 2026. This means another full year of benefits for local people. Whether someone is one of the original partners or a newcomer, everyone will get a fresh card for the new year. For existing residents who are already part of the scheme, the process is simple. There's just a tiny £1 renewal fee to get the new card for the year. For new residents wanting to join the club, the process is also straightforward. It involves filling out a simple application form and a one-off £5 fee for the new application. This small cost opens up a year of savings and helps support a piece of local history. It’s a brilliant, successful scheme designed to be easy for all residents to join, ensuring the community connection continues to grow throughout the next year.

The perks of being a partner

What does being a partner actually get you? Well, quite a bit. The scheme is open to residents living in the YO11, YO12, and YO13 postcode areas, keeping it truly local. Once someone has their exclusive partner card, they unlock some fantastic discounts. Take a look:

• 50% off tramway fares: Every single and return journey on the tramway is half price. That’s a massive saving, whether it's for a daily commute or a weekend trip down to the South Bay.
• 15% off at the Victorian cart: At the top station on St Nicholas Cliff, the company has a charming Victorian shopping cart selling all sorts of wares. Partners get a tidy 15% off anything they buy there.

This loyalty card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a key to making the most of living in Scarborough. The scheme is designed to thank the local community for their support and to encourage even more people to use this wonderful service. The renewal of the card each year keeps the benefits coming.

How do you get your hands on a new card?

Getting a card for 2026 is as easy as pie. The company has made the process as simple as possible. For anyone who is new to the scheme, the first step is to grab an application form.

It’s a quick form, and once that's submitted with the £5 fee, a new card will be issued. For existing residents who are already partners, it’s even easier. Starting from January 2026, the next time they use the tramway, they simply need to pay the £1 renewal fee, and they'll be handed their shiny new card for the year. No extra forms, no fuss. The renewal process is designed to be seamless, encouraging everyone to continue being a part of this great community initiative.

Building a stronger community connection

At the end of the day, this whole scheme is about more than just discounts. It's a genuine effort by the Central Tramway Company to build and maintain a strong, positive connection with the Scarborough community. After such a successful trial year, the company is looking forward to another fantastic year in 2026. The continued introduction of the card is a way to encourage residents to make the tramway a regular part of their lives and to help spread awareness of its rich heritage. It’s about ensuring this nearly 150-year-old piece of engineering isn’t just preserved but actively loved and used by the people who live right on its doorstep. The exclusive Resident's Partner Card scheme is a testament to the company’s commitment to its community, fostering a relationship that helps keep Scarborough’s unique heritage alive and thriving for many more years to come.