On 19 November 2016, JR Hokkaido's president announced plans to rationalise the network by up to 1,237 km, or ~50% of the current network,[1] including proposed conversion of the Nayoro - Wakkanai section of the Soya Line to Third Sector operation, but if local governments are not agreeable, the section will face closure.

All-stations "Local" train services operate between Asahikawa and Nayoro, at approximately 1 to 2 hour intervals.

Higashi-Rokusen Station| Higashi-Rokusen]](Closed 13 March 2021[2]) Minami-Bifuka Station| Minami-Bifuka]](Closed 13 March 2021[2]) Northern extremity: W80 Wakkanai The line was originally built as part of a link between mainland Japan and the then Japanese northern frontier of Karafuto (southern half of Sakhalin Island).

From Wakkanai Port, a ferry to then Ōdomari (present Korsakov) operated until the end of World War II.

The first segment of the line from Asahigawa (present Asahikawa) to Nagayama was built by the Hokkaido Government Railway in 1898.