CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The number of line-run companies that typically operate in and out of the Chinatown areas of major eastern cities is growing and reaching into new areas.

These so-called Chinese bus operators currently serve more than 40 U.S. cities, including nearly a dozen major corridors and along more than twice that many secondary routes.

One of the newest operators is Sky Express of Charlotte. Sky Express, whose owner is Lei Shi, has established service between Charlotte and New York City. Shi's sister, Jenny Han, also is a company principal.

Here's a list of the Chinatown line-run operators that are promoted on various internet Web sites. The most comprehensive Web site for these companies and their schedules is at www.ivymedia.com. It may pay to pay attention to these operations; one could be coming to a city near you.

The runs are identified by city pairs, with the names of companies serving the routes. There likely are others not on this list. All offer roundtrip service.

East Coast and Mid-Atlantic
Boston / New York City
Lucky Star Bus
Boston Deluxe
Fung Wah

New York City / Washington, D.C.
Apex Bus (22 buses/day)
Today's Bus
New Century Travel
Dragon Coach
Washington Deluxe
Vamoose Bus

New York City / Philadelphia
Apex Bus (28 buses/day)
Today's Bus

D.C. / Philadelphia
Apex Bus

New York City / Rockville, Md.
Apex Bus
Today's Bus

New York City / Richmond, Va.
Apex Bus

New York City / Norfolk, Va.
Apex Bus
Today's Bus

New York City / Baltimore
Apex Bus (20 buses/day)
Today's Bus

New York City / Atlanta, Ga.
Apex Bus
Today's Bus

Other East Coast destinations reportedly being served by Chinese/American-owned bus companies: New York City-Albany, N.Y.; Boston-Hartford, Conn.; Hartford-New York City; New York City-Detroit; Washington-Baltimore; New York City-Wilmington, Boston-Providence, Charlotte, N.C.-New York City.

West Coast
Los Angeles / Las Vegas
Los Angeles / San Francisco
San Francisco / Reno
San Francisco / San Jose
San Francisco / Oakland
USA Asia