Has Seattle's gig worker wage law delivered increased pay?

It’s been nearly two years since Seattle’s gig worker minimum wage took effect.

A new study shows that Seattle food delivery drivers now have more unpaid idle time, and drive longer distances between orders.

Andy Garin is a labor economist and co-author of the study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. He noted that drivers were earning more on average per trip in the first month Seattle’s gig worker law took effect. But by the second month, the market started to adjust.

“They [the drivers] were spending more time idle, they’re driving farther between trips which means they’re making less per day that they’re out there looking for work,” Garin said.

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The study looked at data from Gridwise, an app that helps drivers track their earnings and mileage. Garin said over time their earnings didn’t change much compared to before the new wages kicked in.

Hannah Sabio-Howell is with Working Washington, the nonprofit that lobbied for worker protection laws, including minimum wage boosts for app-based drivers. She said before Seattle implemented the laws, the industry was under-regulated.

“I think it’s ultimately leveling the playing field for working people,” Sabio-Howell said.

Some companies responded to the new wage law by tacking on service fees. The study did not address how (or whether) those fees affect drivers’ wages.

RELATED: Will Seattle's proposal to roll back gig worker wages be enough to counter new app fees?