is this illegal?
 

Back in March (yes that's not a typo) I purchased a one way Acela from WAS-NYP. My travel plans have now changed and instead of flying out of JFK, I'm now flying out of EWR. So is it illegal if I just get off at NWK? It would cost me a few $ to formally reticket from WAS-NWK and it's not quite an even trade b/c of the small admin penalty I would incur. So is this illegal to just get off a stop or two earlier?? Thanks.

No. Amtrak does not prohibit point-beyond ticketing:

"Boarding Late, Leaving Early or Downgrading


"No refund or exchange credit is given if a passenger boards a train at a station beyond, or detrains at a station before, the station from or to which they were reserved, or if the passenger downgrades accommodations on the train."

https://www.amtrak.com/services/cont...onditions.html

Very much unlike the airlines!

However, note that if checking bags (obviously not an issue on Acela/NER, but is an issue on the long-distance trains), you may not be able to check bags to an intermediate stop.

When traveling on the Acela, it is possible to check baggage -- it just won't be transported on the train the passenger is riding, but on one of the long-distance trains instead. Short-checking could still be a problem, though.

Just be carful trying to exit at Newark airport - part of all train tickets (both Amtrak and New Jersey Transit) to EWR include a Air Tran supplement- your WAS-NYP will not include this.
There are manned ticket barriers at EWR so you may be charged the Air Tran supplement. If you purchase a NWK-EWR ticket on New Jersey Transit it will cost $11.25 for a 6-7 min journey. I understand that the Acela does not stop at Newark Airport.

The Acela does not stop at EWR, which is probably why the OP is asking about disembarking at NWK. At NWK, options to get to EWR include the NJTransit rail option you mentioned; the much cheaper Route 62 bus; a taxi, Uber, or Lyft; and even Amtrak, which occasionally offers $5 fares on its evening trains (with the EWR AirTrain access fee included):

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8f1a32ad0d.png

OP: Does your particular Acela train stop at Metropark Station in NJ? And what time of day are you traveling? Those $5 Amtrak fares on evening trains are also available MET-EWR, and TRE-EWR.

Thank you to everyone who replied. I appreciate your taking the time to do so. and to answer the question, TBH I didn't check if my train stopped at Metropark or not. I'm (a little/somewhat) familiar w/ NWK so I only looked at stopping there, and I'm travelling midafternoon/early evening. Leaving WAS at 4PM and arriving NWK around 6:27ish IIRC. Thanks again and safe travels everyone.!!!!

Sounds like you'll be on 2172, which does not stop at Metropark. You'd be looking at a lot of juggling of trains just to take the Acela. You'd probably be better off taking the Northeast Regional, train #178 that leaves 5 minutes after your Acela and can bring you right to EWR without having to change trains.

Thanks again to all who replied. I love this train community. I'm going to stick w/ my Acela plans (this is a milestone trip all the way to South Africa!!) and I'm treating myself all the way, which includes Acela FC. (Yes expectations are low but I've already taken Acela FC before so I know what to expect and I'm looking forward to it.) I want to detrain at NWK and stay in Newark. I'll make my way to EWR for my flight by the next day in due time. Thanks again to all and great to know that I can detrain at NWK with no penalty. Be well everyone!