An exclusive CTV Edmonton investigation that aired Wednesday uncovered holes in security on Greyhound buses.
The company unveiled heightened security measures at terminals back in December, which included passenger screening with metal detectors and a commitment to check all carry-on baggage.
CTV decided to put them to the test, buying a ticket from the main terminal in downtown Edmonton to Vegreville earlier in the week.
Our reporter packed a number of prohibited items on a carry-on bag, placed out of sight under a hockey jersey and a couple of books. According to the company policy, a wrench, screwdriver, pliers and pocketknives are items among the 74 items we packed but are not allowed in the passenger area of the bus.
Our reporter found that several of the measures unveiled in December, didn't appear to be in effect anymore, the carry-on luggage screening took place at only some gates and there were no metal detectors in sight.
CTV's carry-on bag was looked at, however the four prohibited items were not found by Greyhound security. Our reporter boarded the bus with no problems.
On Thursday, CTV checked back to see what security measures were in use at the downtown Edmonton terminal and we found that metal detectors were in use and bags were checked thoroughly.
CTV's story hit home with the family of Tim McLean, the young man who was murdered aboard a Greyhound bus between Edmonton and Winnipeg last August.
Tim's dad and step-mom did their own check on the security at the Winnipeg terminal this week.
"There was no security. They didn't check a bag, they didn't wand anybody," said Nadine McLean.
CTV's report prompted an investigation by Greyhound Canada, the company's U.S. based head of security is also being flown in to ensure proper procedure is being followed.
On Thursday, further talks with Greyhound revealed another breach of policy. On our reporter's trip, all carry-on baggage was allowed on the bus, but the rule is only essential items like food, medicine and books go in passenger area.
"What is mandated all the time is that the carry-on baggage be stored underneath the coach so that is clearly something that is in violation of our policy," said Abby Wambaugh with Greyhound.
Greyhound also clarified for CTV that their policy on the metal detector wands, saying that they will be used randomly, but would not say how frequent their use will be.
Passengers we spoke with said they're glad Greyhound is taking action on the problems found in our investigation.
"They really need to do it, it's essential because security needs to be jacked up, you can literally walk on with anything," said Ammara Sadiq.
And the McLean's hope even more will be done to ensure all Greyhound passengers are safe.
"We don't want to see anybody else go through what we've had to go through," said Nadine McLean.
With files from CTV's Bill Fortier
