The former senior transit patrol officer, of Mooroolbark, condemned the State Opposition's plan for 1000 Victoria Police 'protective services officers' to patrol the network, including the Belgrave-Lilydale line, after 6pm seven days a week.

In October 1992, the Liberal Party under then premier Jeff Kennett disbanded the transit patrol division.

"It's nothing but a ploy to grab a few votes. It's going to be an enormous task to fund [$200million over four years for] an extra 1000 people," the ex-officer said.

Since leaving the force, the man, who wanted to be anonymous, has refused to use public transport because of obnoxious people "drinking, smoking and swearing" on trains.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with public transport apart from the fact you have these people getting on the system.

"Even [with free public transport] I'd drive ... nothing against police, but police don't want to be there. The only ones that want to be there are the ones wanting to take a promotion - go there and take three hooks [sergeant rank]."

The 11-year transit veteran has doubts about anyone reducing crime on trains and public transport in general.

"Victoria Police and transit patrol worked very well together. We were well armed, well resourced, but unless you're going to saturate the system you're not going to combat crime."

The 'Stopping Crime in its Track' - a plan announced by Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu last month - is a zero-tolerance approach to crime on public transport.

Under the plan, 940 uniformed and trained Victoria Police PSOs would provide blanket coverage of train stations from 6pm to the last train.

A further 100 Victoria Police officers would be recruited to the transit safety division to patrol train, tram and bus networks, if the Opposition won next year's election.

The decision to fund the plan from the existing transport budget has been opposed by Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky.

"Mr Baillieu must tell Victorians what existing projects and staff he will cut to pay for his plan."

The State Government is committed to 50 new transit police positions and 100 additional rail staff.