In contrast to the rapid train in the Keihanshin area, which becomes 'Local' at Akashi Station and the stations to the west of Akashi Station and Takatsuki Station (Kyoto Station in some time periods) and the stations to the east of Takatsuki Station, the special rapid train remains 'Special Rapid' even when it stops at every station (including Himeji Station and the stations to the west of Himeji Station).
京阪神の快速が明石以西・高槻（一部時間帯では京都）以東で「普通」となるのに対して、新快速は（姫路以西も含めて）各駅停車でも新快速である。