Originally there was little local flow between the Kosei area and Tsuruga, whereas there is some local flow between the Kohoku area and Tsuruga; therefore, the special rapid trains departing from and arriving at Tsuruga Station are operated via the Kosei Line during the day and, except for the daytime, the special rapid trains are operated via Maibara Station.
もともと湖西～敦賀のローカル流動はほとんどなく、湖北～敦賀の流動はそれなりにあるため、敦賀発着の新快速は昼間は湖西線経由での運転に、それ以外は米原経由になっている。