Final answer:
Bus schedules at UC Davis change during the year to align with the academic calendar due to fluctuating demand for services and efficient resource management, especially considering past budgetary constraints following economic downturns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bus schedules changing during the year depending on the UC Davis calendar is a matter of efficiency and resource management. Because public transport demand fluctuates with the university schedule, the bus services adjust to accommodate the variations in passenger numbers. During term time, there's a higher demand for buses as students and staff commute to campus frequently. Conversely, when the university is not in session, such as during holidays or breaks, there's a reduced demand for bus services. This change in service level is similar to airport traffic management, where the number of flights increases during peak travel times and decreases during off-peak times.
Additionally, budgetary constraints may influence the availability and frequency of bus services. Following the economic downturn of 2008, institutions like California schools and public universities were compelled to make strategic decisions about where to allocate their limited resources, and this would include transportation services.