Used to not be a problem when society was safer. I took my first train ride alone when I was 8. Then about the time I was in High School (late 70's), society (ie, MSM) started whining about "latchkey" kids. Big deal, latchkey kids have been around since humans moved on two legs. IMO, by the time they're 10, they should be able to start taking care of themselves. Ever been to Japan, kids ride the subway to school by themselves in 3rd grade. I didn't take the subway by myself until I was at least 12. But like I said, society was safer then...
Well, apparently she can take care of herself. However, when the nanny state hears about this - look out!
Your comments are interesting. When I was eleven I was sent to the home of an elderly relative who had just been released from the hospital after having serious abdominal surgery. I was 'hired' to take care of her, clean, cook the meals and do the laundry. I was paid $14 for the two weeks of work. Frankly, if someone had ever suggested that this same experience be visited on my child I would have busted them in the mouth. Children need to be children, in my opinion, and making them behave as adults, including taking care of themselves, leaves some permanent damage.