The ATM Virtual Path(VP)-based transport network is a candidate for the future multi-reliability and broadband integrated service infrastructure. This paper compares the performance attributes of the VP transport network with those of the conventional SDH network and future optical path-based transport network. This paper shows that the VP-based network is superior in terms of path-grooming efficiency and connection capability, and will still play an important role when WDM technologies are introduced to carrier networks. This paper also describes the recently fabricated VP Cross Connect(VP-XC) system configuration and the VP Automatic Protection Switching(APS) performance of the XC.