The S.L.U.T. could be coming to the U-District if Seattle City Council members decide to move forward with an expansion of the streetcar line. But, lower- than-expected ridership and high cost could prevent the streetcar from making it to Montlake — at least anytime soon.

The UW line is one of four proposed lines that would connect to the existing South Lake Union line.

“They look at this route as ‘Aha, there are lots of people working or going to school there, and no matter what we put up, there are bound to be people on the streetcar,’” said Nick Licata, a Seattle City Council member.

The route would run from Westlake Center to the University District via Eastlake Avenue East and continue up University Way to Northeast 50th Street. The expected cost is about $170 million in capital, which doesn’t include operation cost.

Funding is one of the major issues of approving the new line, Licata said.

“If you look at the example of South Lake Union, about half [of the funds] came from the local improvement district,” he said. “You had some companies there that could handle the additional taxes fairly well. Along Eastlake, there are mostly small businesses and homes. I’m not sure if they would have those deep pockets and could pick up half the cost.”

Despite its cost, supporters expect the streetcar to contribute to local development and stimulate economy.

Council member Jan Drago, chair of the council’s Transportation Committee, supports the streetcar because it gives Seattleites another transportation option.

“Her major message with the streetcar is that it is another choice as a public transit option,” said Jodie Vice, a legislative aide for Drago. “The residents of Seattle need lots of choices so we can get out of our cars.”

According to the Seattle Streetcar Alliance’s Web site, the streetcar is expected to “expand economic development opportunities in urban centers,” connect neighborhoods and enhance neighborhood livability.

“Seattle is this unique network of neighborhoods that aren’t necessarily connected well,” said James Kelly, co-founder of the Alliance. “We need to create a network that can begin to connect our neighborhoods.”

Fixed rail lines are seen as more conducive to development because they are permanent, Kelly said.

“One of the major factors of streetcars is their ability to be part of economic growth,” he said.

However, the possibility of a streetcar isn’t on the radar of many local businesses, said Teresa Lord Hugel, executive director of the Greater University Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a little premature as far as [the streetcar] is concerned,” she said. “How will it affect us? Depends on where they put it. It’s a little too soon.”

With light rail also coming to the U-District soon, the need for more public transportation is debatable. Some, including Licata, think other options should be considered before instituting something as permanent as the streetcar.

“Maybe we should take a good look at using electric trolleys,” Licata said. Some of these buses are already being used in the Seattle area.

Ultimately, supporters want to provide as many public transportation options as possible.

“The streetcar is not designed to replace buses,” Kelly said. “If nothing else, we’re all going to be riding something soon, whether buses, bikes or whatever. It’s all about providing people [with] choices.”