The station is the terminus of the Metra Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor, and an intermediate stop for the Amtrak Texas Eagle and Lincoln Service trains.

The first passenger train services to Joliet began in 1852, and the city quickly grew into a railroad hub.

[9][10] The original plans for Joliet Gateway Center included a bus terminal, which was omitted from the project following cost overruns.

Metra owns and manages the Rock Island District, and it sees little freight traffic, making it an attractive route for Amtrak.

[15] To operate Amtrak trains over the Rock Island District, modifications would be required in Joliet and Chicago.

A third platform would need to be constructed at Joliet Gateway Center, and Amtrak would need to improve the connection between the Rock Island District and Chicago Union Station.

The current connection from the Rock Island District to Union Station via the St. Charles Air Line sees occasional use during maintenance and emergencies, but it limits trains to a maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) and requires trains to reverse into Union Station.