I have, in my old age, realized that in a capitalist, consumer society, no one knows how to value what is 'free'. And most feel it is inferior because it is free.
In Malaga, bus rides cost 1.40. ( 0.70 if you have a monthly pass, free if you're retired or disabled) It's eminently affordable to most people, but not free. What I notice in my city is that people really value the bus. People keep them clean. People enjoy riding in them.
So, not free, but reasonable.
"reasonable" being "free", I suppose