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MARC commuter train passengers will soon need to give themselves extra time to board their trains, as random security screenings start Friday.

Federal air marshals will be conducting the screenings initially to train Maryland Transit Administration police in the screening techniques and equipment, said MTA police Maj. Fred Damron.

The new security procedure is part of a $3 million grant over three years from the federal Transportation Security Administration.

Passengers will not know what stations and what times the security screenings will take place, Damron said.

Under the plan, passengers potentially can have their bags and luggage checked by police.

The new security procedures have been in the works for some time and were not part of any new intelligence about terror threats, Damron said.

Passengers should plan to arrive five to 10 minutes earlier each day to catch their train on the chance their station has been selected for one of the random checkpoint screenings, he said.