The Metropolitan Transit Authority's efforts to rebuild public confidence suffered a setback Thursday with the announcement that President and CEO George Greanias, the public face of the "new Metro," has been suspended for visiting sexually explicit websites using the agency's Internet access.

Some observers said Greanias, who has led Metro since last September, has been so good for the agency that the embarrassing bombshell should not prevent his continued leadership. Others said the damage to his reputation and Metro's will be too great for him to continue effectively.

Metro suspended Greanias for one week without pay effective immediately, a punishment that Chairman Gilbert Garcia said was harsher than typically would be assessed for a violation of Metro's electronic communications policies. The suspension will cost Greanias about $4,500, Garcia said.

An investigation revealed that while on his personal computer at Metro headquarters, 1900 Main St., Greanias visited more than a dozen "adult-oriented sites of a sexual nature" using wireless Internet access provided by the agency, Metro said in a news release.

Greanias, 63, visited the sites on 14 days from Feb. 9 to July 1, the agency reported.

The websites identified by Metro's information technology division included sites featuring sexually explicit images, blogs and sites advertising escort services. Garcia said he found no evidence of any illegal activity, such as viewing child pornography or hiring prostitutes.

"But the sites are embarrassing," Garcia said. "We're asking the tough questions."

A review of Greanias' emails was expected to be complete as soon as today, Garcia said.

Garcia said he learned of the violations about two weeks ago and made the announcement as soon as possible after completing his own investigation.

"As the new Metro, we are committed to transparency in all our dealings, even very delicate personnel matters," the board chairman said.

Greanias apologizes

The violation came to light during work on the agency's Internet protocol for allowing employees to access social media, Garcia said.

Greanias apologized in a letter to employees Thursday.

"In the past year I have come to love this new Metro of ours, all of you who work here and the mission we share. It pains me beyond measure to cast any cloud on what I regard as one of the most important jobs that needs to be done for our community," he wrote.

Initially named as interim president last year as part of Mayor Annise Parker's housecleaning at Metro, Greanias won board support and was hired in September to lead the agency that has branded itself the "new Metro" to create distance from past controversies. Greanias has led this effort through numerous public appearances.

In the past 10 months, Greanias has earned praise for a leadership style described as hard-working, skillful and in touch with the public. Garcia said the agency needs Greanias back on the job.

"The mission of Metro is too important," the board chairman said.

Parker's spokeswoman, Janice Evans, said the mayor supports the board's decision but was not available to comment further.

Managers offer support

Garcia said he had met with about 30 of Metro's senior managers, all of whom "support George and feel for him as a human being." Garcia said he also has begun making calls to community members and has received feedback in support of Greanias, who is to return to work Aug. 8.

Barry Goodman, Metro's first executive director, from 1978 to 1980, said Greanias is the best thing that has happened to Metro and Houston transit in the past 30 years.

"I think it's critical for Metro's future that he continue doing what he's doing and that we consider the board's action final," said Goodman, now president of a mobility consulting firm.

Greanias' accomplishments include putting Metro on a sounder financial footing and raising its credibility at all levels of government, especially Congress, Goodman said.

David Crossley, president of the nonprofit urban research group Houston Tomorrow, said it would be unfortunate if the news about Greanias slowed the pace of change at the transit agency.

"George has done so much to turn that machine around that I hope this won't in any way slow down Metro's progress in laying out five new light-rail lines to help our city grow," Crossley said.

Others expressed doubt that Greanias can continue to lead.

"I hate to say this because I like George, but he's got to go," said Bill King, a Houston businessman who writes frequently on transit issues. "There's just no way he can continue under these circumstances. It's a shame for George and a shame for Metro.

"Any other person in the organization would be fired on the spot for this. You can't make an exception for the CEO."

Garcia, however, said an employee typically would get a verbal or written warning for a first-time offense.

City Councilman Mike Sullivan said he expects a strong public backlash.

"To me it is a breach of confidence by a leader of a regional transit authority that is responsible to the taxpayers," Sullivan said. "We all know we can't use government equipment for personal use. This clearly violates the moral turpitude (policy) that covers public officials."

Chronicle reporters Brian Rogers and Chris Moran contributed to this report.

carol.christian@chron.com