Semi-express trains instead serve as a support to reinforce the transportation capacity of the Kyoto Line, because many of them pass nonstop at only three stations and don't even get ahead of the local trains; however a few semi-express trains go ahead of local trains at Kamitobaguchi Station (three outbouond trains on weekdays, and one outbound train on Saturdays and holidays).
3駅しか通過せず、普通列車も抜かない列車が多く、京都線の輸送力の補完の意味合いが強いが、一部の準急は上鳥羽口駅で普通列車を追い抜く（平日の下り3本、土休日の下り1本）。