Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman has named Jesse Rush administrator of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) and Director of the City of Oklahoma City’s Public Transportation and Parking Department.
Rush replaces Jason Ferbrache, who has served in a dual role as an Assistant City Manager and the Public Transportation and Parking Director since 2022. Ferbrache will continue in his role as Assistant City Manager.
“Jesse understands the critical role public transportation plays in the lives of metro area residents,” City Manager Craig Freeman said. “He has the skills to lead transit through another period of growth as we add two more bus rapid transit lines over the next few years through MAPS 4, launch micro transit options and implement OKC Moves, our fixed route bus transformation plan.”
Rush helped grow the Public Transportation and Parking Department by overseeing the design, construction and implementation of Oklahoma City’s first Streetcar (OKC Streetcar) and Bus Rapid Transit system (RAPID NW).
Rush began his City career in 2014 as a project manager in the MAPS office overseeing the OKC Streetcar project. In February 2017, he became the City’s first streetcar manager, where he oversaw the construction of the streetcar track design, overhead catenary system, 22 streetcar stations, storage and maintenance facility and more.
In 2020, he was promoted to Assistant Director in Public Transportation and Parking, where he was responsible for EMBARK’s operations, maintenance, parking, safety, capital projects, Oklahoma River Cruises and the OKC Streetcar.
“Public transportation is one of the most important services Oklahoma City provides its residents,” COTPA Chair Barney Semtner said. “Jesse has the leadership skills required to help us continue growing a transportation system that is accessible to everyone.”
Rush has been a member of the Oklahoma Transit Association since 2019 and served as board president in 2021.
“I am committed to our vision of providing world-class transportation that is accessible to all, and all want to access it,” Rush said.
