Although the buses were modern and comfortable, the Chinatown Bus service was bare bones-no advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus, and paid the driver upon boarding.

For those willing to do without frills, these companies offered virtually the same service as Greyhound at a substantially lower price. Before long, word spread about the service and all kinds of travelers started using the service.

It became especially popular with students, budget travelers, or people for whom the service was simply more convenient.