Armed transit police will soon start showing up on the 99-B bus line in Vancouver, checking fare tickets and maintaining order, says TransLink.

The transit authority says it's a pilot project, and is slated to begin in June on the route between UBC and the Broadway/Commercial SkyTrain station.

The 99-B uses the longer accordion-style articulated buses, which take a long time to board.

To speed things up, passengers with passes or pre-purchased fare tickets are allowed in through the back doors.

Ken Hardie, who speaks for TransLink, said the new security will be similar to that already in place on SkyTrain, requiring passengers to have their proof of purchase with them.

"That also means then that the police or security guards would be able to come on the bus and check for fares, and if you're not where you're supposed to be, then the security guards can take you off the bus and the police can fine you and do other things."

Hardie said the officers won't be on board all the 99-B buses all the time, as the checks will be random.

The Bus Riders Union is opposed to the plan, complaining that TransLink is spending too much on security, when it should be reducing the price of a ride.

"Fares are very expensive, and often people who don't pay the fares usually have a very good reason for doing so. They often don't have the money," said organizer Jennifer Efting.

Bus drivers, however, do like the idea. They believe the armed officers will protect them from violent riders.

TransLink drivers reported 241 assaults last year.