(26 Apr 2015, 9:45 pm)G-CPTN wrote A considerate driver could have waved the pensioner aboard (having acknowledged his age qualification) and suggested that said passenger could return as soon as he had found the pass.
Jobsworth?
(The above is tongue in cheek - please don't flame me for my suggestion).
Said pensioner would still need a ticket for his journey so it may have created more hassle later in the journey.
Not sure an inspector would be too happy if he boarded 2 minutes later!