Why might the local bus sometimes take significantly longer to reach the destination?

Selecting the option that states the local bus makes more stops is accurate because this is a primary reason for increased travel time. Local buses are designed to serve communities by providing convenient access to various neighborhoods, which often involves frequent stops at designated bus stops. Each stop requires the bus to decelerate, potentially pick up or drop off passengers, and then accelerate back to speed, all of which contributes to longer total travel time compared to more express forms of transportation.

While the other options might have some relevance in specific contexts—for instance, an older bus model could potentially break down more, or operating only during peak hours could affect availability—these factors do not fundamentally increase travel time in the same way that making more stops does. Therefore, making a larger number of stops directly correlates with extended travel duration, making it the most accurate choice.