It was originally meant to reward, depending on the quality and length of time calculated in calendar years, the services rendered by French agents and labourers and to nationals of the French Union or protectorates, in service with the railroads.

The Honour medal of railroads was created by decree on 19 August 1913 as a reward for thirty years of service.

The Honour medal of railroads used to be awarded to salaried labourers, French nationals or citizens of another state of the European Community, in service or having served with the railroads at the national or local level in continental France, Corsica or in an overseas department, or detached abroad.

[5] Also, any military veteran, holder of the Order of the Legion of Honour, of the Médaille militaire or of the Resistance Medal, or of any grade of the National Order of Merit and two wartime awards, will be awarded the silver gilt level for twenty-five years of service and the gold level for thirty years of service.

[3][6] The Honour medal of railroads may also be bestowed for exceptional acts of bravery and courage carried out during official duties for the railways.

[7] All past state secretaries and ministers for transport receive the gold level award.