Here is Joe Belifore stating the taskbar is intended in tablet mode,
Guys Win 10 is launching in a few months, we have a pretty clear direction for what they intend Win 10 to be for tablets and that is pretty much going to act like Win 7 on a tablet which was a horrible experience and a huge downgrade from Win 8 on tablets. Now is not the time to be lax and think they are going to fix everything. If we wait for release it will be to late for major changes.
Full start screen is gone, Charms are gone, Taskbar is mandatory, alot of swipe commands are missing. This is not getting fixed in a few short months and appears to be how MS intends it to work.
joebelfiore @joebelfiore
@benstoic yep, we intend taskbar to be present in tablet mode. Thats quick access to start menu (4 pcs w no HW button), + Cortana, taskview