Survey: Transport companies mixed on recovery

Survey: Transport companies mixed on recovery    A global survey of transport companies finds only a small percentage believe the global financial crisis is beginning to dissipate.
   The law firm of Norton Rose said 17 percent of 679 respondents from the aviation, rail and shipping industries think the global financial crisis is already beginning to dissipate, with a further 14 percent expecting improvements within 12 months.
   Other findings highlighted by the firm:
   ' Joint ventures are being actively sought across all three transport sectors and in all key markets around the world. “Transport businesses as a whole see joint venturing as an attractive way of gaining strength in the recovery,” the firm said.
   ' “Access to adequate funding remains critical to the industry's recovery and to its future growth. While liquidity has improved and interest rates remain low, consumer demand is depressed in most mature trading markets and government attempts to reduce public spending all contribute to a somber mood about a return to economic stability and growth.
   ' Forty-four percent of respondents, particularly railroads, agree that infrastructure investment will be the single most helpful form of government support.
   ' An increase in fiscal incentives is the most likely trigger for a sustained investment in greener technology.
   ' Sixty-three percent of respondents are engaged in improving their technological performance in order to reduce their environmental impact.
   ' The Asia-Pacific and Middle East and North African (MENA) regions are the most buoyant transport markets.