Good explanation of why it's optional in this case, although i'm not convinced that reason is the only reasonable antecedent of why. For example, the explanation why is a common usage,. Why should the first person pronoun 'i' always be capitalized?

Understanding the Context

I realize that at one time a lot of nouns in english were capitalized, but i can't understand the pattern of those. I have flunked the exam, that is why i am attending coaching classes. I have flunked the exam, which is why i am attending coaching classes. Is there any change in the meaning of sentence.

Key Insights

I don't know why, but it seems to me bob would sound a bit strange if he said, why is it that you have to get going? eliminating 'that' before 'bob' would seem to be more in context.