As word of the low-cost services spread, they became popular with non-Chinese travelers. By 2003, the demographics of Chinatown bus passengers and those of larger-corporation passengers were about the same. Reasons cited for the increased ridership included lower fares and more authentic Chinatown experiences. Between 1997 and 2007, Chinatown buses appropriated 60 percent of Greyhound Lines' market share in the northeastern United States. Riders of Chinatown buses made up over half the ridership of northeastern intercity buses, bringing annual intercity ridership to over seven million passengers.