NEW WESTMINSTER - The police force that patrols Vancouver's Skytrain system says it has never used a Taser on a rider for refusing to pay a fare, contrary to documents released under provincial freedom of information laws.

Insp. Bob Huston said at a news conference Friday that officers only use force to ensure the safety of passengers.

"We do not, have not and will never Taser those in our care for non-payment of fares,'' Huston said.

Huston is with the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service, the only armed transit police service in Canada.

The documents released earlier this week indicate Tasers have been used 10 times in the past 18 months, including five times against riders who allegedly were trying to ride for free.

But Huston defended the service's use of Tasers, saying all officers carrying them have been fully trained and qualified and are re-certified regularly.

"We believe that they are a safe and effective tool and we will continue to use them until that's proven otherwise,'' he said at a news conference.

"We have tens-of-thousands of contacts with the public every year. We've deployed the Taser 10 times.''

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association has called for the provincial police complaints commissioner to investigate the use of Tasers by the transit police force.

The complaints commissioner's office has said it will look into the complaint and is waiting to receive documents from TransLink detailing their use of Tasers.

The transit cops' use of the weapon will also be examined at next month's inquiry into their overall use by police.

Thomas Braidwood, a retired B.C. Court of Appeal judge in charge of the inquiry, said Wednesday he would look into the transit incidents.

Huston said on the rare occassions when transit police have used a Taser, there has never been a complaint.

"If we didn't fully believe that Tasers save lives, reduce and prevent injuries and are effective, we wouldn't use them,'' he said.

"They are an essential tool in helping us achieve our goal of keeping everyone safe.''

He also said his service is cooperating fully with the inquiries underway and will abide by any recommendations.