A 63-strong team of police officers will form a specialist branch dedicated to cracking down on crime on public transport in Greater Manchester.
The plan is aimed at 'stopping offenders in their tracks'.
The new transport unit will also cover the region's roads, providing a 'pro-active policing presence', with the power to arrest people.
Bosses say the team will be led by an inspector, with five sergeants and 57 PCs under their command.
They will replace the 50 police community support officers (PCSOs) currently patrolling the Metrolink as part of the Travel Safe Unit.
Following a spate of crimes on the network, which prompted safety concerns for passengers, Detective Chief Constable Ian Pilling said they needed 'harder enforcement'.
For the first time, the unit will provide a response function to deal with ongoing crimes and incidents on public transport.
It is being funded by a hike in the police precept, which came into force in April.
The 'average' Band D households pay £24 more this year. The increase will raise an extra £18m for the force.
Deputy mayor Bev Hughes said the move will enable 'tougher enforcement', and keep the public safe.
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Technology will be a key part of the new unit, with special data analysts on hand to look at where incidents are happening most often and identify trends.
Officers will be deployed on foot or on bikes across the transport system.
They will support the 'restoration of the Metrolink system' following a collision or significant disruption, such as a vehicle on the tracks.
Officers will also support the city centre night-time policing operation to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
They will provide a 'visible presence' at sites like Victoria train station, the Metrolink stop at Deansgate Castlefield and Shudehill bus interchange.
Road safety operations and supporting safer roads and cycling and walking routes will also be part of the team's remit.
Ms Hughes said people using public transport have an 'absolute right to expect that they will be safe'.
"And people will not use public transport unless they feel safe and know they’ll be safe," she added.
"That’s why we have taken action to strengthen even further the security of the system.
“This investment in the TravelSafe Unit will enable tougher enforcement across the transport network, stopping offenders in their tracks and keeping the public safe.
“Significantly, for the first-time the unit will have the capability to respond to crimes in action and help restore the transport network following disruption.
“I hope this new unit will reassure all those who use our roads and public transport systems that their safety and wellbeing is my absolute priority."
Papers presented to the combined authority’s transport committee said the new unit is due to be in action from Ocotber.
Officers will be deployed Monday to Sunday, with core hours covering 7am to 2am, and additional coverage on Friday and Saturday until 5am.
It is proposed that the headquarters will be based at Eccles police station.
