As for free transit, there's a simple reason why it won't happen. Most transit requires federal funding for operating assistance. Federal law requires a minimum farebox return over time, around 20% iirc. And it's not just a generic "local contribution" - it's "farebox return." So you have to charge something for the service. Yes, with additional local or state funding the fare needed to make that minimum can be partially or completely offset for short periods, such as demonstration projects, but eventually the mandated amount has to be raised. Think of it as a mandated toll on transit to reduce the number of trips made, and to manage potential overcrowding of a system that has very limited capacity. Just like EPA would like to have freeways turned into toll roads (not just toll lanes, though for them it's a good start).

We do pay a toll for roads whether or not there's a cash one involved with use: the gas tax (and some other tax for road use for non-gas/diesel powered vehicles). It doesn't cover the full cost, but it's a contribution. Unfortunately, it's sufficiently well-hidden that it seldom has the "is this trip necessary" impact of cash (including electronic cash) tolls and transit fares. "Free" isn't free; the cost is being covered in some hidden way. That's not bad, per se, but when it's hidden it's subject to being revealed in damaging ways by those with other agendas. Then there's "don't tax you, don't tax me, tax that man behind the tree."