In my country, Only a small number of transportation is owned by the government and its sure aint free but its subsidized so that everyone can afford. And it isnt free because the government have to buy fuel, repair damages and even pay the drivers so it cant be free unless the drivers decide to take no salary.
But why do that? I think it is easier to give a subsidy to the people whom the government wants to support so they had something to drive in traffic and transport let it be private.