If a funicular on the Cascade Avenue Bluff in Langley becomes a reality, it may resemble a San Francisco-style trolley.

Mayor Fred McCarthy updated the city council at its Nov. 17 meeting on options and cost estimates for the proposed rail and tram transport system down the bluff to the marina. The city has argued it needs a way to move people and their gear from South Whidbey Harbor and the parking areas up the hill on Sixth Street.

McCarthy shared pamphlets about one model he liked that looks like a San Francisco-syle trolley. He said the company believed it could build and install the track for the $500,000 allotted to the city from the Island County Council of Governments.

A key factor in the project is the negotiation with a property owner down on Wharf Street. The city does not own any land on which to land any kind of transport, and will need a willing partner to offer space for the base and an easement to reach the street.

Previously, Paul and Pam Schell proposed a bridge and elevator to land on their property near their planned inn and restaurant building. Public outcry over the loss of view from Cascade Avenue, which has sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, Camano Island and the Cascade Mountains, stalled progress on the project earlier this year.

“I believe this is a better alternative given the fact that feedback came back 80 to 90 percent negative,” McCarthy said.

Questions arose about the carrying capacity of the much smaller trolley-style platform from Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Ed Halloran, who is the port’s liaison to the city.

“If it doesn’t adequately accommodate a cart and at least a rider or two, it doesn’t pass the test,” Halloran said.

McCarthy said the Council of Governments, which has earmarked the funding for years with little movement on the project, would like to see progress soon, but did not have a firm deadline. As Langley’s mayor, McCarthy serves on the Council of Governments, which represents municipalities within Island County.