The Centre Area Transit Authority is toying with the idea of purchasing trolleys for public transportation uses.

"There's a certain attraction to the replica trolleys," said CATA director Hugh Mose. "It's a novelty."

The trolleys could have a positive impact on commerce as well.

Teresa Sparacino, executive director of the Downtown State College Partnership Inc., said the presence of trolleys downtown has the potential to increase tourism.

However, plans to purchase trolleys are just in their infancy, and it's not certain if the idea will become a reality, she added.

"It's still up in the air, but it sounds like a good idea for football games and other events," Sparacino said.

Williamsport employs three trolleys within the city, which have brought great success, said Williamsport Bureau of Transportation Planning Manager Kevin Kilpatrick.

"We've found that we can use the trolleys for all kinds of things. People like the idea," Kilpatrick said.

The trolleys are used for general transportation, historical tours and shuttles during the Little League World Series, he added.

Currently, Williamsport is planning a haunted trolley ride just before Halloween.

"It's a clever alternative for tourists," Kilpatrick said.

If the option of trolley transit were pursued, CATA would most likely be the organization to foot the bill.

One replica trolley costs about $250,000, but much of that would fall under state and federal mass transit grants, said Mose.

The trolleys may look different on the exterior, but are driven by engines and parts similar to those the buses use, said Kilpatrick.

"If the option is followed up on, we would use a typical partnership for the purchase of buses," Mose said.

After all grants have been applied, the local government would be responsible for a little more than $7,500, Mose said.

CATA isn't alone in pursuing this novel form of public transportation.

Penn State has also been looking to purchase a trolley for university activities, said Teresa Davis, director of Penn State transportation services.

"We do a lot of tours as well taking prospective students around," Davis said.

A trolley ride would beat the regular bus rides students are used to, she added.

"It adds some flair," Davis said.

Both CATA and Penn State are still in the preliminary stages of considering trolley use and the two have not ruled out working together, Mose said.

If a purchase was made, CATA would most likely retain ownership while the university would pay a fee for the usage of the trolley, Davis said.

"We pay them to run the Loop and the Link," Davis said.

"This would fall in the same category if a purchase is made."