Eight-car trains of the Series 5300 had been exclusively used until the Series 3300, which was completely equipped with renewed air-conditioning and an electric destination indicator (according to the type), started full-scale operation for the express service.
3300系への冷房改造・電動式行先種別表示装置取付が完了し急行運用にも本格的に進出するまでの間は、5300系8両編成で限定運用されていた。