A group that wants to extend passenger rail service from Portland to Auburn will pitch its idea to a Maine Department of Transportation advisory council on Thursday.

The Maine Rail Transit Coalition envisions a battery-electric operated train that would run on an existing rail line known as the Grand Trunk Railway, according to a press release from the group.

“It would provide multiple car-free connections to jobs, housing, services, and the Casco Bay ferries, providing a cross-platform connection at Yarmouth Junction to the Downeaster service operated by Amtrak from Boston to Brunswick,” according to the group.

This effort is separate from an initiative to extend passenger rail from Portland to Bangor. The Maine DOT is working with a Boston-based consultant and a different advisory group to study traffic patterns and other data along that route.

Supporters of the extension to Auburn — called the Grand Trunk Flyer — say it could spur new or renovated stations at Ocean Gateway, the Roux Institute, Falmouth, downtown Yarmouth, Yarmouth Junction, Pineland Farms in New Gloucester and the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.

The coalition will present its vision at 1:30 p.m. Thursday during a meeting of the Portland to Auburn Rail Use Advisory Council.