AUGUSTA — Supporters of passenger rail joined area lawmakers Thursday to speak in favor of a bill that would advance efforts to bring passenger rail back to Bangor.

The legislation, from Rep. Michelle Dunphy, D-Old Town, seeks to explore the feasibility of extending passenger rail service north.

“Expanding rail service represents a unique economic opportunity for our part of the state,” Dunphy said. “Passenger rail is fuel efficient, relieves pressure on our roads and provides an affordable alternative for commuters and visitors alike.”

The bill, LD 1174, directs the Maine Department of Transportation to analyze the cost and feasibility of extending passenger rail service to Bangor.

The department’s study would look at the condition of existing rail lines in the area, the possibility of accessing federal and other funding, the potential economic benefits and other aspects of expansion.

“Public transportation, particularly passenger rail, is a key component in building toward a future where Mainers can utilize multiple modes of transportation to travel for work and play,” Shenna Bellows said on behalf of the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter.

The Bangor City Council and Maine Rail Transit Coalition also support the measure. All four of Bangor’s representatives have signed on to the measure as co-sponsors, along with other lawmakers from the region. Several spoke of the economic and community benefits of reviving passenger rail to Bangor.

“Bringing passenger rail back to the Bangor area would enhance our local economy by improving connections between communities across Maine and beyond,” said Rep. Arthur “Archie” Verow, D-Brewer, a co-sponsor of the bill and member of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.

Supporters say passenger rail could benefit the region as a whole as well as Bangor’s downtown and waterfront, which already draw crowds for events such as the American Folk Festival and Waterfront Concerts.

“We know from our work in promoting smart growth that railroads help revitalize local downtown communities and prevent sprawl,” Bellows said.

In November 2012, the Amtrak Downeaster expanded passenger rail service from Portland to Freeport and Brunswick. According to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, the extended route has exceeded projected ridership by roughly 50 percent.

The most common trips taken on the Downeaster are for vacation travel or to events, representing about half of passengers, followed by business travel, commuting and visiting friends and relatives.

The Transportation Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks. At that time, it will formulate a recommendation to the full Legislature.