ROCKLAND (AP) — A railroad authority is exploring a pilot program that would bring seasonal Amtrak service to Maine farther north.

The pilot program is being explored by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which is responsible for handling Maine’s contract with Amtrak’s Downeaster service line. The Downeaster line currently begins in Boston and runs to Brunswick.

The pilot program would extend the line with new stops in Bath, Wiscasset, Newcastle and Rockland.

The program was announced Monday at the NNEPRA board meeting as a goal for 2018. An official says a planning schedule for developing the program will be mapped out in the coming weeks, including a series of public meetings.

The Amtrak Downeaster. (AP file photo)