New York City – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has decided to postpone a vote on whether to eliminate free and discounted MetroCards for city students.

MTA Chairman Jay Walder made the announcement Wednesday night while meeting with dozens of students at the agency’s headquarters in Midtown.

Many students who attended the meeting say they cannot afford to pay for MetroCards and want the city, state and MTA to come up with a solution.

The agency says it’s struggling to close a nearly $800 million budget gap and simply can’t afford the $214 million it costs to give students free MetroCards.

The MTA plan not only calls for cutting the free MetroCards, but to charge students half fare.

(Source: NY1)