Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says private motorists have been carrying the commercial sector for too long and it plans to even the playing field by upping operators' fees at the end of next year.
The Agency says its regulatory arm is underfunded and currently propped up by government loans - because trucking, bus and taxi firms aren't paying their way.
It plans to raise an extra $79 million each year under the changes, and while commercial operators agree the fees need to change, they say the timing stings.
Emma Hatton reports.
