The introduction of commuter train series 201 on the Keihanshin Local Line was effectively linked not only to the replacement of the old series 101 at both Katamachi and Kansai Lines and improvement of the ratio of air-conditioned cars on the same lines, but also to transferring a series of 103-type cars without high-speed capability off the Keihanshin Local Line and also to try to speed up Katamachi and Kansai lines, killing three birds with one stone.
このような状況における京阪神緩行線への201系の投入は、片町、関西両線の老朽101系の取替えと冷房化率の向上につながるだけでなく、京阪神緩行線から高速性能のない103系を転出させることでスピードアップを図るという、一石三鳥の効果を狙ったものだった。