Catalyzes the energy-dependent uptake of carnitine and is essential for growth on carnitine. Can also mediate the uptake of choline. Is probably a proton:substrate symporter. Inhibited by the protonophore 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS). Not activated by osmolarity. Deletion of the gene abolishes growth on carnitine as sole carbon and energy source, but does not affect growth on acetate. Belongs to the BCCT transporter (TC 2.A.15) family.