At Omi-Shiotsu Station, it became possible to change trains on the same platform: during the day from the train bound for Tsuruga Station via Kosei Line, changing for the train departing from Omi-Shiotsu Station to Himeji Station via Maibara Station; and from the train to Omi-Shiotsu Station via Maibara, changing for the train departing from Tsuruga to Himeji via the Kosei Line, thereby improving the connection between the Kohoku and Kosei areas.
近江塩津では、日中に湖西線経由の敦賀行きから近江塩津始発の米原経由姫路方面行きに、また米原経由の近江塩津止めから敦賀発湖西線姫路方面行きに対面乗り換えができるようになり、湖北・湖西間の接続改善がなされた。