Train station automatic ticketing gates close too quickly according to older commuters in a public transport study.

The Making Public Transport Accessible audit, compiled by the National Roads & Motorists' Association, identified hazards for older commuters using public transport in New South Wales.

The president of the NRMA Kyle Loades said automatic ticketing gates were among the problems identified.

"It's almost a sprint sometimes before they shut," he said.

"We sent out an occupational therapist all over the state to identify the hazards and they witnessed an older commuter being trapped in a gate and having to be rescued by the staff."

Mr Loades said the issue could lead to older, less mobile commuters avoiding the gates.

"Not only was it stressful for that person but more likely they may not use it again."

Rail commuter Robert agrees the automatic ticket gates shut too fast.

He said he's had them close on him before he's been able to get through.

"When you walk into them it's a rather unpleasant sensation," he said.

Platforms and bus stops open to the elements

An NRMA audit found there's not enough shelter at some bus stops and train stations. ( Mhairi McClymont: ABC News )

The audit looked at 21 different trips using four modes of transport and interviewed 38 commuters.

One of the other hazards mentioned in the study was poor shelter at bus stops and train stations.

"The platforms, rails and stairs are often open at the major rail stations, which means you're open to the rain and that's dangerous," Mr Loades said.

Robert from the North Shore agreed.

"On many of the platforms they've changed the seating and whereas before they were protected now it's not protected from rain and strong winds," he said.

Other hazards highlighted in the audit were garbled or non-existent on-board announcements and too rapid set down times for trains and buses.

School children on trains

School bags taking up aisles on trains and buses also featured heavily in the NRMA audit.

"You've got kids that are full of enthusiasm but not really considering what's going on around them," Mr Loades said.

"That is a major hazard for all of us, but especially people with mobility issues or of an older generation.

"A lot of these kids sit down, they really want to get back to the basics of having a bit of respect and identifying a person who may need that seat more than they do and stand up and let them sit down.

"Maybe we do need some sort of communication messaging going on, a new focus on identifying this as something to do in the future so that children and adults stick to the basics and keep an eye out for older Australians with mobility issues.

"An ageing population has a bigger requirement to use public transport and also people with health issues and disabilities."

But Collin McAuliffe from Tathra on the south coast of New South Wales said public transport in Sydney was excellent.

"I just can't understand these people up here in the city, all you hear is them whinge because the trains are late or the buses are crowded, we don't have anything like that.

"They ought to come down and live where we are where they don't have any public transport."

The NRMA is calling on the State Government to fix the hazards for older, less mobile commuters.