Transport of gentisate (2,5-dihydroxybenzoate) into the cell. Does not transport 3-hydroxybenzoate or benzoate. Deletion mutant retains 85% of its transport activity at pH 6.5, but it loses 79% and 88% activity at pH 7.5 and 8.0, respectively. Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Aromatic acid:H(+) symporter (AAHS) (TC 2.A.1.15) family. Extended N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.