The Berejiklian government will privatise bus services in the last three parts of Sydney - including the northern beaches and eastern suburbs - which are still in the hands of the state-run bus operator.

The Herald can reveal thousands of drivers will be told on Thursday the State Transit Authority’s grip on “bus regions” seven, eight and nine will end after the government decided to open them up to the private sector to operate.

Bus services, including ones in the northern beaches and eastern suburbs, are up for privatisation. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Bus region seven covers Sydney’s north western suburbs, including Ryde, region eight the lower north shore and northern beaches, and region nine the eastern suburbs. The regions cover scores of routes, many of which run to Sydney CBD.

The privatisation of bus services is expected to spark a furious response from trade unions, including the Rail Tram and Bus Union.