The introduction of the JNR/JR Commuter Train Series 201 effectively sped up the local trains and allowed them to reach one of the shunting stations to let special rapid service trains pass without being caught, thereby offering services between Takatsuki and Nishi-Akashi and between Suita and Koshienguchi.
また、普通電車への国鉄201系電車車両投入によりスピードアップが図られ、新快速を各待避駅まで逃げ切れるようになり、高槻～西明石と吹田～甲子園口の運転パターンになる。