Robert A. Nelson papers

Robert A. Nelson (d. March 10, 2009) was a teacher and transportation authority. He promoted high-speed rail in the Northeast corridor and is often known as "the father of the metroliner." In 1963, The Kennedy administration recurited Nelson to head the Northeast Corridor Project. This project was first managed by the Commerce Department and then as part of the newly created Transporation Department. Nelson also served as a member of Lyndon Johnson's White House Task Force on Transporation Policy. In 1965, the Johnson White House created the Office of High Speed Ground Transporation. Nelson lead that office for four years. Due to his work to push railroad and manufacturer's of new railway cars, the first Metroliner demonstration trains began running in 1968. The Metroliner evolved into Amtrak's Acela.

After retiring from government service in 1969, Nelson worked as a transporation consultant. He also volunteered his expertise to many Northern Virginia transporation issues including the construction of Interstate 66 within the Beltway.

Nelson was born in Bridgewater Massachusetts. He received degrees his bachelor's degree and doctorate in economics from Clark University, and a master's degree in business from Boston University.