Although there was a special express train operated until 1986 between Yodoyabashi Station and Uji Station it was later discontinued, and therefore the operation of this direct train to the Keihan Main Line restarted for the first time in 12 years.
1986年までは行楽シーズンに淀屋橋駅～宇治駅間の臨時急行も運転されていたが廃止されたので京阪本線との直通列車は12年振りであった。