Council has joined Liberal MP Peta Seaton, the NSW Local Government Association and the Southern Highlands Action Group for Rail Users in condemning purported service cuts.

It has written to Minister for Transport Michael Costa in objection, stressing the necessity for positive modifications to City Rail timetabling - and better infrastructure - to enhance commuter access to Sydney.

"The idea must be to encourage people to use rail and get off the freeway," said Mayor Phil Yeo in reference to worsening traffic congestion in and around the metropolitan fringe.

According to Cr Yeo, council is alarmed that the proposed cessation of direct services to and from Sydney, plus the cancellation of most Bundanoon services, could be effective as early as April without prior community consultation.

"As an area of significant growth, coupled with an increasingly high proportion of elderly residents, public transport services for the Southern Highlands should be increased over time, not decreased," said Cr Yeo.

"If Bundanoon's going to have a population of 5000 in five years' time, any cut in services is going to be a retrograde step."

Council's submission has also raised concerns that utilisation of existing services is being compromised currently by poor timetable connections and station amenities such as commuter parking, toilets, lighting and access for people with mobility restrictions.

A public meeting at Moss Vale, attended by almost 100 people, recently indicated overwhelming opposition to any reduction in rail services.