CALGARY, Alberta Many drivers for Greyhound Canada have begun requiring passengers to stow carry-on bags in the luggage bay in an effort to reduce the possibility of violence directed at both drivers and passengers.

The drivers took the action at the urging of their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1374, and in the wake of the horrific murder and mutilation of a Greyhound Canada passenger at the end of July.

The union says it also will push for improved security measures, such as restricting carry-ons, introducing luggage screening, and random baggage inspections when it meets with company management later this month.

Jim Higgs, president of Calgary-based ATU Local 1374, said the grisly stabbing of a 22-year-old sleeping passenger on a Greyhound Canada bus near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, roughly 50 miles west of Winnipeg, has heightened security concerns for drivers and passengers.

"How could the man who killed that boy have gotten a knife the size of a Bowie (knife) on that bus? I'll tell you," said Higgs. "It was in his carry-on."

Higgs, who has been critical of Greyhound for allegedly dragging its feet on the issue, would like to see a company directive mandating that procedures similar to the locals limited carry-on policy be implemented right away.

"If you get on in a rural area, you won't be allowed a carry-on, is my proposal. It will have to go underneath the coach," said Higgs. "Its a relief to the driver to have it underneath, unless you're traveling with medical supplies or something. At least then we can minimize the chance of an instrument like that getting on a coach."

Higgs said drivers currently do their best to scrutinize passengers which has resulted in "the removal of knives and stuff, and the people have put them underneath the coaches. But now we have to go one step further and restrict the carry-ons."

In his criticism of Greyhound, Higgs also says it should not be the union and individual drivers who have to take the initiative. "Why should drivers be obligated to search luggage with all of the other things they have to do?"

In response to company statements that no security system would be impenetrable, Higgs asserts: "Well, that doesn't mean we should do nothing. This is urgent."

Greyhound spokeswoman Abby Wambaugh said Transport Canada is conducting a risk assessment for Greyhound buses that will help guide security policy if changes are needed. But she said Greyhound would require government funding if new security procedures -- such as passenger screenings and metal detectors -- are implemented.

The Amalgamated Transit Union represents about 2,000 bus drivers and support staff, including 1,100 Greyhound drivers.