Rail fares are rising again, sparking protests from passengers and unions.

The 1.9 per cent increase, due to come in to effect in January 2017, will particularly hit commuters who use "regulated tickets", which includes day returns and season passes.

The announcement of the rise by the Office for National Statistics is linked to the Retail Price Index inflation rate.

Protests organised by campaign group Action for Rail took place outside of stations across the country calling for an end to fee increases and re-nationalisation.

Customers outside Carlisle station spoke of their resentment at the hike in prices.

Mary Kennedy, of Kirklinton said: “I think it's hard on commuters who are getting a bad service.”

Colin and Betty Hill are both in their mid-eighties and travel to Carlisle regularly from Sunderland.

The couple, who have been married for 60 years, said they were disgusted by the new rise in fares.

Mrs Hill said: “It should never have been privatised in the first place.

"Absolutely it should be renationalised.”

Mr Hill added: “We are pensioners and have rails cards so we travel around on cheap rides.

“But I have sympathy for people who have to get the train to work.”

A season ticket between Carlisle and Newcastle - a busy route for commuters - already costs travellers £3,056, according to Northern Rail's online calculator.

A 1.9 per cent increase would take that to about £3,114.

Northern Rail was unable to comment on the details of precisely how particular services would be affected at this stage.

Rob Johnston, chief executive of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "We don't have the volume of commuters that other big cities have. In terms of impact on the economy I don't think it will be big.

"But for those who use the service it does create the perception that they are being disproportionately affected and that affects what people spend."

The increase in fares comes at a time when passengers in Cumbria are expecting - and preparing for - improvement to services in routes including the Carlisle-Newcastle line and the track between the city and west of the county.