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Last week, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick filed a transportation bond bill to authorize and fund a $19 billion plan to invest in transportation over the next 10 years.

The bill would provide $13.7 billion to address a backlog of deferred maintenance and improve the state's transportation system to reduce congestion on roads, curb delays and minimize crowding on trains and buses, and improve customer service, according to a Massachusetts Department of Transportation press release.

The transportation plan includes $4.4 billion for regional rail projects, including the Green Line expansion, South Coast Rail and South Station expansion; and $3.3 billion to modernize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's subway and bus systems to improve service, safety and customer service.

In total, the bill would authorize $19 billion to develop a modern transportation system for Massachusetts, said Patrick.

"A modern, safe, equitable 21st century transportation system is what our citizens want and our commonwealth needs to unlock economic growth in every region," he said.

The bill would be funded with existing revenues and additional revenue through passage of tax reform.