2008-10-29 02:15:02 -

- On Thursday, Nov. 6, Fitch Ratings will host a Transportation Forum to discuss the impact of energy and the economy on the transportation sector. The forum will take place at the New York Marriott East Side, starting with registration and breakfast at 8:00 AM EST.

According to Fitch, the global credit markets are currently facing unprecedented challenges within

the transportation sector as they are experiencing a significant reduction in activity at airports and on toll roads. The forum will focus on credit views relative to airports and toll roads in the U.S. and Latin America. Perspectives from the Sovereign Team will provide macro and credit trends in both Latin America and the U.S. Fitch's Global Infrastructure and Project Finance team, led by Cherian George, Managing Director, will moderate a panel of debt and equity investors who will address the effect of the financial crisis and the concurrent U.S. economic slowdown on the global economy, as well as the medium- to long-term implications for the U.S. economy and transportation.

Topics to be discussed include the impact of the price of oil and the economic downturn on vehicle miles traveled, toll road and airport traffic, and the effect of airline capacity reductions. The forum will also offer perspectives on the application of Fitch's criteria relative to the economic downturn and prospects for recovery.

Attendance is complimentary.

To register for the 'Transportation Forum', please visit the 'Events' tab on Fitch's web site, www.fitchratings.com or go directly to fitchratings.nyws.com/Page.asp?ID=889

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

Fitch Ratings, New York
Danielle Riles, 212-908-0756
or
Media Relations:
Cindy Stoller, 212-908-0526
Email: cindy.stoller@fitchratings.com