Until a timetable revision made on March 8, 1997, rapid trains ran nonstop between Tennoji and Oji similarly to Yamatoji Rapid Services, and regional rapid trains running to and from JR Nanba were mainly operated during rush hour.
1997年3月8日のダイヤ改正までは大和路快速と同様に天王寺-王寺間はノンストップであり、JR難波発着の区間快速もラッシュ時が主体であった。