Some of the officers who will patrol buses in Glasgow

The First bus company said the 10 officers would operate across the city and would respond to complaints from drivers and passengers.

As well as helping drivers to deal with difficult passengers, the officers will target fare-dodgers and people who flout the smoking ban on buses.

First said it was also fitting security cameras to more buses.

Alan Pert, First security manager in Glasgow, said: "I am delighted to welcome this resource to our security team, who will undoubtedly tackle head-on the problem of transport-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

I am confident that this will make a real positive difference to public transport in Glasgow Alan Pert First security manager

"Ticket checking campaigns carried out over the past year and our Smokebusters campaign in partnership with Strathclyde Police in December 2003 were a great success.

"However, this is the first time a dedicated resource has been allocated to such matters, and I am confident that this will make a real positive difference to public transport in Glasgow."

First said it was working with Glasgow City Council to introduce closed circuit television cameras to another 100 vehicles.

In September last year, First Bus drivers were issued with swab kits to help police collect DNA evidence when trying to catch people who spit at drivers.