WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec. 5 -- Bag searches and metal detector scanning are being implemented this week in Canadian Greyhound bus terminals, the company announced.

As part of the stepped-up security measures, passengers must stow all their baggage in the cargo compartment with the exception of purses and "essential items," Sun Media reported.

The changes took effect in the Alberta cities of Calgaryand Edmonton and Winnipeg, Manitoba, this week, and other major cities will follow suit by Dec. 15, the company said.

Greyhound spokeswoman Abby Wambaugh said fares will not be increased to offset the "several million dollars" the company is spending on equipment and security staff.

She also denied the move was in response to the stabbing and beheading of a passenger by a machete-wielding fellow traveler in late July. The victim's family is suing Greyhound and the Canadian government, alleging that inadequate security led to the slaying.

The accused man, Vincent Li, is charged with second-degree murder, but has not yet entered a plea. He is scheduled to appear in a Winnipeg court Dec. 10.(UPI)