As the special rapid service was extended to Tsuruga Station, trains (comprised of four cars) have been regularly operated as special trains for the increased numbers of passengers since the fall of 2006, and especially for the transportation of passengers who use Makino Station (the nearest stop) to enjoy the blossoms at Kaizu-Osaki, the train bound for Tsuruga Station to be divided is operated as a special train prior to the regular train.
また、新快速の敦賀延長にともない定期運用で4連化された列車の多客時救済列車が2006年秋以降定番化しており、特にマキノ駅を最寄りとする海津大崎の花見客輸送では敦賀行きを分割する編成が本編成に先行して救済臨として運転されている。