I'll second that. My aspie daughter got on the bus by herself when we arrived here in Switzerland when she was 14 (she didnt speak the local language). She even took a train and bus to go to school. And yes, she missed her stop sometimes, she took the wrong bus/train sometimes.. and after a couple of anxious moments she just got off and reversed.. feeling a little foolish, but otherwise not too worse for the wear. I think the cell phone helps, and she always calls me if something like that happens, (and yes, I think it kind of happens to her more than to others.. ;-)) )

But she has friends who get chauffeured around by mommie, and she is very proud of herself for not needing it. She even encourages her 'chauffeur driven' friends to try 'the walk on the wild side' and go some place together by public transport, and they respect her greatly for knowing her way around.
So it can be a way of being 'ahead' of some of her peers, and that is psychologically very strengthening.

We use SMS very frequently to stay in touch,- and that seems to be enough of an anchor. Hope this helps ;-)) jana